Honesty and Hope Are Not Mutually Exclusive
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. (Luke 21:33 ESV)
Hope without honesty leads to despair.
Jesus always gave people hope, but He never withheld the sometimes harsh realities that would be encountered along the way.
In Luke 21 Jesus spoke in detail about the impending persecution that awaited His followers. He told them of wars, destruction, and oppression. He challenged them to be ready, to be strong, and to be on guard.
Typically people either sway toward “ignorant bliss,” where everything should have fairy tale endings, OR “gloomy skepticism,” where life is hard and heavy with only blips of happiness as we await the “sweet by and by.”
But Jesus did not view honesty and hope as being mutually exclusive.
He said: “Heaven and earth will pass away…” That honest realty has practical implications to our lives. As believers in Jesus Christ we must hold loosely the things of this world, knowing that life on earth is temporary and not to be wasted.
But Jesus also said: “…but My words will never pass away.” Every promise Jesus declared is true and will manifest. That which is earthly will be pale in comparison with that which is eternal. Eternal life is worth earthly death.
Throughout Scripture we find this embrace of hope and honesty. “In this world you will have tribulation” (honesty); “but be of good cheer, because I have overcome the world!” (hope).
Whatever you face in life…face it while embracing both hope and honesty. Let them be your companions, standing on each side of you as you walk this journey from earth to eternity.
Refuse to walk in denial.
But refuse to walk in dismay.Father,
I pray that I would have faith to embrace honesty while never letting go of hope.In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
Pastor Dale Jenkins 