SCRIPTURE: Acts 25:23-26:8
“And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today.” (Acts 26:6)
I am not Jewish, yet my hope is the same as theirs.
The deep-rooted longing of the Jews, is the same deep-rooted longing in my heart.
And every Christians heart… every human’s heart.
I believe there is this restless longing in all people for freedom, rescue, hope, peace, love.
It was the same longing that led the Magi to follow the stars to find the Messiah.
Did they know who they were looking for, did they know Who He was… not likely.
Or like the Greeks who came to the disciples… looking for Jesus.
“Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the festival. They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. ‘Sir,’ they said, ‘we would like to see Jesus.'” (John 12:20-21)
Paul is trying to show King Agrippa that he is not against the Jews, but one with them in their hope in God.
How do we see people of other religions?
We may not have as many links to Buddhism or Hinduism as with Jerusalem, but I would suggest a similar longing lies in them all.
Our hearts were made for God, and they are restless until they find them.
My hope is not just MY hope, or the Christian hope, it is the hope and longing of every human ever.
Jesus is the hope of the nations, what every human soul is longing for and seeking.
Our job is to let them see, let them know, that their hope has come!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me for dividing people into camps – in and out. Remind me that my hope is their hope too, and that we are to share You with the “great multitudes that no one can count, from every nation, tribe, people and language” (Revelation 7:9)
Observations/Application
My hope is in the Lord.
The Jews hope is in the Lord.
All peoples hope is in the Lord.
Not accused of any crime, Paul stands before the officials and gives witness of that hope.
I too, need to stand up for the hope I have in my Saviour – He died but arose and ascended and because He lives I am alive forevermore. What a Saviour!
God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!
Chorus
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!
How sweet to hold a newborn baby,
And feel the pride and joy he gives;
But greater still the calm assurance:
This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!
Chorus
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!
And then one day, I’ll cross the river,
I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;
And then, as death gives way to victory,
I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives!
Chorus
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow,
Because He lives, all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!