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January 6, 2022 7:00 pm
In the early 1960s, the US was filled with anticipation of a bright future. Youthful President John F. Kennedy had introduced the New Frontier, the Peace Corps, and the task of reaching the moon. A thriving economy caused many people to expect the future to simply “let the good times roll.” Then the war in Vietnam escalated, unrest on a national level unfolded, Kennedy’s assassination took place, and a dismantling of the accepted norms of that previously optimistic society ensued. Optimism simply wasn’t enough, and in its wake, disillusionment prevailed.
Then, in 1967, theologian Jürgen Moltmann’s A Theology of Hope pointed to a clearer vision. This path was not the way of optimism but the way of hope. The two are not the same thing. Moltmann affirmed that optimism is based on the circumstances of the moment, but hope is rooted in God’s faithfulness—regardless of our situation.
What is the source of this hope? Peter wrote, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). Our faithful God has conquered death through His Son Jesus! The reality of this greatest of all victories lifts us beyond mere optimism to a strong, robust hope—every day and in every circumstance.
Looking for genuine hope this will entitle today's encouragement for daily bread. In the early 1960s, the US was filled with anticipation of a bright future useful. Pres. John F. Kennedy had introduced the new frontier, the Peace Corps and the task of reaching the moon a thriving economy caused many people to expect the future to simply let the good times roll. Then the war in Vietnam escalated national unrest unfolded, Kennedy was assassinated in the accepted norms of the previously optimistic society were dismantled, optimism simply wasn't enough and in its wake, disillusionment prevailed. Then in 1967 theologian Jurgen Bultman's a theology of hope pointed to a clear vision. This path wasn't the way of optimism, but the way of hope.
The two aren't the same thing Bultman affirmed that optimism is based on the circumstances of the moment, but hope is rooted in God's faithfulness regardless of our situation was the source of this hope in first Peter chapter 1 Peter wrote.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ in his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead are faithful, God is conquered death through his son Jesus.
The reality of this greatest of all victories… Beyond mere optimism to a strong, robust, hope every day and in every circumstance. Today's Scripture reading is from first Peter chapter 1 verses three through nine.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ in his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time in all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials these of come so that the proven genuineness of your faith of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire may result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen them you love him, and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy for your receiving.
The end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Let's pray God. This world is distressing and confusing, and many voices want to drive us to a perspective that feels void of hope, help us to root our hearts and the promise of the power of the resurrection of Jesus, who holds the future.
In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Today's encouragement was provided by Our Daily Bread ministries
