OUR HOPE
Paul T. Stallsworth
April 2003

      For all of us, there is a lot going on during these days of Lent 2003.

     Lent is a barren season.  During the forty days of Lent, we are reminded that this world is a broken place.  There are clear and present dangers all around.  There are temptations and trials galore.  And we are reminded, whether we want to admit (or confess) it or not, that too often each of us participates in the brokenness of this world.

     On the international scene, there is the war against the government of Iraq.  This war involves our loved ones, our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Add to the war the constant concern about terrorism around the world.

     Controversy now surrounds the war against Iraq and terrorism.  The military war abroad is stirring a culture war at home.  It has been said that the first victim of war fought with weapons is truth.  It can now be said that the first victim of a war fought with words and images is also truth.

     The American economy continues to stumble.  While the United States remains wealthy to a degree that is unbelievable, many are going through very uncertain economic times.

     Closer to home, there are many challenges related to illness.  Many of our illness involve treatments that, in themselves, are sickening.

     On top of these challenges are the irritations of everyday life.  Good will and civility among strangers sometimes seem in short supply.

     Where is all of this leading?  Where will it end?

     It all leads to the Cross of Jesus Christ.  And it ends with the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

     When life in this world seems too heavy to bear, too much to endure, we need to lift up our eyes to see the crucified Jesus.  There He hangs, bearing the crushing burden of the world of sin, enduring the horrors of the worst suffering and death imaginable.  There He hangs, for the world.  There He hangs, for us.

     But that is not all.  For the One who suffered and died was raised from death, raised from the tomb of burial, raised to life everlasting.  His bruised and broken body was raised, transformed, and glorified.  The Risen Lord is the strongest signal that the Kingdom of God is coming.  Despite all appearances to the contrary, all the travail of this age, the Kingdom is coming.

     This hope is our hope.  For we have been baptized into Jesus Christ, His Cross and His Resurrection.  And we receive His Body and His Blood at His Table.  And during Holy Week, we will travel with Him to Jerusalem, through His Last Supper, through His Crucifixion, to His being raised out of the tomb.  By faith, this hope is our hope.

     This is our hope.  Because of this hope, with God’s help, we can endure the wars and rumors of wars, the uncertainties, the challenges, the sufferings, the incivilities of this age.  Because of this hope, with God’s help, we can persevere.  Because of this hope.