3. “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all
people most to be pitied.” (1 Corinthians 15:19 NIV).
As Christians, our eyes are set beyond the limitations of
this life. We long for the Second Coming of Jesus and the
resurrection of the death. We also long for God’s justice
and a better world.
This hope motivates us to truly live it and to act
accordingly.
4. “Lord, how long will the
wicked, how long will the
wicked triumph?” (Psalm 94:3)
When the people of God is
surrounded by oppression and
injustice, they cry to God:
“How long?”
How long until they would be liberated from the
Egyptians? How long until they would be liberated
from Babylon? How long until they would be
liberated from Rome? “How long, O Lord, holy and
true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those
who dwell on the earth?” (Revelation 6:10).
God has always intervened. However, there’s still
oppression and injustice. How long?
We still long for God’s justice and cry for the
moment when He will put an end to evil
(Luke 18:1-8).
5. “It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live
self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait
for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and
Savior, Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:12-13 NIV)
Jesus will put an end to poverty and
oppression. Therefore, some people may
think that there’s no need to fight them now.
God has asked us to live justly in this world.
Our duty is to care for those in need and to
supply their needs according to our
possibilities.
If we’re going
to live with
Jesus forever,
let’s start living
like He did
today
(Acts 10:38).
6. According to Matthew 24-25, how should we live as we wait for Jesus to
come again?
Not being troubled (Matthew 24:6)
Not stumbling, apostatizing or hating (v. 10)
Having a warm love (v. 12)
Enduring to the end (v. 13)
Preaching the gospel (v. 14)
Praying (v. 20)
Not believing in false christs and prophets (v. 23-24)
Being aware (v. 32-33)
Being always ready (v. 42-43; 25:13)
Being faithful and cautious (v. 45-46)
Not abusing others, or mingling with those who do evil (v. 48-51)
Filling our hearts with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 25:1-12)
Actively working (v. 14-30)
Feeding those in need and hosting the foreigner (v. 35)
Clothing the naked, the sick and the incarcerated (v. 36)
7. The resurrection of Jesus is the
foundation of our hope (1Co. 15:12-19).
If Jesus had not resurrected…
The resurrection of Jesus is the guarantee of
our resurrection. Death will be destroyed for
good. The evil that causes injustice, poverty
and oppression will be defeated.
Let’s help others by sharing the hope of the
resurrection.
8. With no hope of justice, no hope of
judgment, no hope of things being made
right, ours would indeed be an absurd
world.
There’s a hope: “God will bring every
work into judgment.” (Ecclesiastes 12:14)
The injustice in this world will not fall
into oblivion. One day, Jesus will put
things right. “He will reward each
according to his works.” (Matthew 16:27)
This is great news for those who suffer
injustice today.
9. A BETTER WORLD
TO COME
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall
be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more
pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)
The world God has promised is not like the
one we’re living in. There’ll be no more
death, tears, cries, poverty, injustice,
suffering or fear.
God will wipe our tears away and will
comfort us. He will heal the wounds that
suffering has caused (Revelation 22:2).
We anticipate this better world by sharing
kind words, a warm meal, medical help,
clothing or a piece of wise advice.
Let’s reflect the selfless love that Jesus
showed when He lived on Earth. The same
love He’ll show when He’ll wipe each one of
our tears away.
10. “Hold fast to the comfort, the faith, the hope, that
God has given you in His Word. Never be
discouraged… We are to ‘hold fast’ and live up to
all the light we receive from heaven. Why?—
Because God wants us to grasp the eternal truth,
and act as His helping hand by communicating the
light to those who are not acquainted with His
love for them…
We are to watch vigilantly for the coming of the
Lord… Every moment is to be faithfully
employed.”
E.G.W. (Sons and Daughters of God, December 10)
