“Set your hope fully on ‘future grace’—the grace that you will receive when Jesus Christ returns and is fully revealed and finishes making all things new.” (pp 1 Pet.1:13)
Lord Jesus, by our longings, pain, and instincts—we are hope-setters. We’re always looking for someone or something to make things better in our lives. By the witness of your Word, the riches of the Gospel, and the Spirit’s work—most of the time we know that “horses and chariots” (Ps.20:7) aren’t enough.
Just like most of the time we know cash reserves and government leaders, hot romance and a cold brew, a Hallmark family and enough friends, being religious and getting our way cannot satisfy the hope you have placed inside us. That will only happen when you return and finish making all things new.
But “most of the time” isn’t “all of the time”—meaning we lapse, fall, or jump into seasons of restlessness, discontent, anxiety, anger, and pain. When that happens we become vulnerable and dangerous, so we must be careful and wise. Like Esau, a bowl of oatmeal can seem to be enough (Gen.25:29-34). Like David, sensual pleasure emerges as the answer (2 Sam.11). Like Diotrephes, winning and being first becomes our cocaine (3Jn.1:8-9). Like Israel, some “golden calf” starts looking savior-like (Ex. 32). Have mercy on us, Lord. Have mercy on me. Help us and protect us, Jesus.
Either you are the Savior of the world or we are hopeless on the earth. By past grace you completely saved us. By present grace you are changing us and ruling the cosmos. By future grace you will usher in the new heaven and new earth and make us 100% like yourself. We set and reset our hope on you Jesus—on you alone. So Very Amen.
