04- The God of HOPE
The God of HOPE A sinner can hope for nothing good, as a sinner - without a special revelation from God. If he is left to impartial justice, he can expect nothing, "But only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God!" But Jehovah in Jesus is the God of hope. He lays a foundation for hope in the promises of his grace, and in his shed blood. He produces hope in the mind, by the operations of the Holy Spirit; and increases it, by the proofs of his goodness and love, which we daily enjoy.
If we look into self - we must despair; if we look at our works, the best of them - we must despond; but if we look at Jehovah as revealed in his promises, and through the person and work of our adorable Redeemer - we may hope! If we look in faith - we must hope.
If mercy pitying the miserable will lead us to hope - then here is a God plenteous in mercy!
If grace justifying and saving the ungodly will encourage hope - then here is a fullness of grace!
If unbounded love fixed upon the unworthy will inspire hope - then God, our "God is love!"
If the most solemn oath, the most gracious promises, and an infinite and eternal atonement - can lay a foundation for hope - then it is laid by our God in his most holy gospel! The Lord, as the covenant God of his people, encourages the poor sinner to hope for, or expect . . . a free pardon, a full justification, acceptance with God by his grace, all necessary good things on earth, and eternal glory at the end of his course!
He encourages the saint to expect . . . strength - according to his day; supplies - according to his needs; deliverance - out of every temptation; and the sanctification - of every trial.
He encourages the believer to hope for his presence on a sick bed, and his comforts in a dying hour; and then to be with and like Christ, eternally - to enjoy holiness, happiness, and immortality! All this is freely promised, and shall be faithfully bestowed - upon all who believe in Jesus, and obey his word. Grace, free grace alone - will bestow these great and inestimable blessings - to the glory of "the God of hope".
O, believer, look at your God in this sweet and encouraging character; approach him as thus revealed, hoping to receive from him, according to his word - a supply of all your needs! Your poverty should encourage you to plead - and his promises should make you confident. To distrust "the God of all hope" - must surely be sinful; to tremble before him as a slave - must certainly be weakness; to neglect his throne, slight his promises, and wander from his ways - must be highly ungrateful!
"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say on the Lord." Let not your hope look for a foundation in self, in your works, or in anything conferred upon you; but let God himself, in his love, grace, mercy, faithfulness, holiness, oath, and veracity - be the basis of your expectations. These form a rock which nothing can shake - a foundation which nothing can remove!
If your hope rests here - you will steadily pursue your journey towards your Father’s house, and cheerfully accomplish your work to his glory and praise.
Why drooping saint dismayed, Does sorrow press you down? Has God refused to give you aid, Or does he seem to frown. In darkness or distress His love’s the same to thee, Without declension more or less, Immutable and free!