HAVE you ever read the bible and experienced texts and messages come alive as though you were watching a SCI-FI movie? Remember, the Word is not lifeless. Hebrews 4:12 says: “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” And John 1:12 testifies that the “…Word was made flesh and lived in our midst.” We should expect an interaction with God while we explore His inspired message to us.
As I was reading the letter to Titus, I was captivated by the following verses: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” I would like to encourage you with the following few points: salvation is available, the blessed hope and God loves us like no other.
Salvation Is Available
During the pandemic, if you were slow to arrive at the grocery store, you most likely experienced disappointment at the realization that certain goods were out of stock. Near my home, toilet paper was one of the items that flew off the shelves like jet planes leaving a Naval Ship. The demand was far greater than the supply and most of us were left to go without.
The message to Titus assures us of the total opposite regarding the gift of salvation. The supply surpasses the demand. The Greek word used for salvation is soteria which means: welfare, prosperity, deliverance, preservation and safety. The grace humanity needed invaded the darkness of this world to rescue us from the claws of Satan. Grace works to reunite us to God. The about-face, turning from carnality to spiritual wholeness is only possible through grace. Thank God that He has made the experience of Salvation available to us.
The Blessed Hope
According to apa.org, Thema Bryant, PhD, was quoted: “Hope isn’t a denial of what is, but a belief that the current situation is not all that can be…” The early church was anchored in the hope of the second return of Jesus so much that many thought He would return during their lifetimes. Such hope enables us to look beyond this lifetime with joy in a way that few other things could. Since this is not our home, looking for the final fulfilment of God’s word regarding the second return to put an end to sin, the blessed hope provides us with much-needed support. John 14:3 testifies that Jesus assured His followers: “…if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” The return of Jesus will not only reunite us with Himself but also with loved ones, angels and the rest of God’s universal family. We have siblings in the household of God that we haven’t met yet! Such a hope weakens the lures of Satan who tries to keep us mentally bound to this world and enslaved to our carnal appetites.
Love Like No Other
The apostle Paul reminded Titus that Jesus gave Himself for us. Sometimes we think we must earn God’s acceptance. The temptation to work ourselves into righteous living for many becomes unbearable. What I find fascinating regarding this verse is that Jesus gave Himself up to death so that we could become recipients of life. He wants to be reconnected to you and me far beyond our capacity to imagine. Consider the tireless effort the Godhead is making to dispel the deceptions of Satan and establish the truth within our hearts that leads to us engaging in a loving relationship with Him. This is love like no other and it’s His love for us that creates love within us.
As we set our affections on new aspirations this year, let’s revisit the promise of the Blessed Hope. Just a week ago, many were focusing on the first coming of Jesus, may this new year help us to turn our attention to the Hope of all Hopes, His next return!