God as the source of hope – Day 4

Never underestimate the power of hope. No matter how crushed and depressed you are, hope enables you to lift up your head again and walk tall.

The apostle Peter is the perfect example of the dynamic power of hope. More than any of the other disciples, Peter recognised Jesus for who he truly is: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God” (Matthew 16:16). But he did not realise that the Messiah had to lay down his life.

Then when it happened, just as Jesus had foretold, Peter followed the trials and crucifixion “at a distance” (Luke 22:54). Peter witnessed the agony of Christ’s sufferings (1 Peter 5:1) but when he died, Peter’s hopes died too. After Jesus’ final trial, we do not read about Peter again until the morning of the resurrection.

Then when Peter saw the risen Christ for himself (Luke 24:35), hope surged into his heart again. Christ had risen indeed. The knowledge transformed Peter. As it did the other disciples, as well as the many others who also saw the risen Christ and believed.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, they fearlessly proclaimed the living hope God gives us – that those who believe in Jesus Christ, will receive the rich blessings God has in heaven for his children.

Hallelujah! Praise the Lord.