In keeping with our Advent theme, this week we will look at hope. The Jewish
people were hoping for a Savior, a Messiah. Here are some verses on hope
- some about Christ Himself and some about hope in general. According to
Vine's Expository Dictionary, two of the definitions of "hope"
are: "to trust" (Mat. 12:21) and
"favorable and confident expectation" (Rom. 8:24-5).
Psa 71:5 (NNAS) For You are my hope; O Lord GOD,
You are my confidence from my youth.
Job 13:15 (NNAS) Though He slay me, I will hope
in Him. Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him.
Psa 42:5 (NNAS) Why are you in despair, O my soul?
And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again
praise Him For the help of His presence.
Prov 13:12 (NNAS) Hope deferred makes the heart
sick, But desire fulfilled is a tree of life.
Jer 29:11 (NNAS) 'For I know the plans that I have
for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give
you a future and a hope.
Lam 3:24 (NNAS) The LORD is my portion," says my
soul, "Therefore I have hope in Him."
Mat 12:17-21 (NNAS) This was to fulfill what was
spoken through Isaiah the prophet: BEHOLD, MY SERVANT WHOM I HAVE CHOSEN;
MY BELOVED IN WHOM MY SOUL is WELL-PLEASED; I WILL PUT MY SPIRIT UPON HIM,
AND HE SHALL PROCLAIM JUSTICE TO THE GENTILES. HE WILL NOT QUARREL, NOR CRY
OUT; NOR WILL ANYONE HEAR HIS VOICE IN THE STREETS.A BATTERED REED HE WILL
NOT BREAK OFF, AND A SMOLDERING WICK HE WILL NOT PUT OUT, UNTIL HE LEADS
JUSTICE TO VICTORY. AND IN HIS NAME THE GENTILES WILL HOPE.
Rom 5:3-5 (NNAS) And not only this, but we also
exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance;
and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope
does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our
hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Rom 8:24-25 (NNAS) For in hope we have been saved,
but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees?
But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly
for it.