from vanity into fullness
“Nothing is new under the sun.” —Ecclesiastes 1:9
The author of the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes is a wise man named Qoheleth (Eccl 1:1). He is wise, but he lived before the revelation of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. From his perspective, “all things are vanity!” (Eccl 1:2) Many people today are likewise pessimistic about living in this world filled with misery and tears. The New Testament recognizes this. Life “without God in the world” is definitely a life “without hope” (Eph 2:12). Apart from Jesus, we “can do nothing” (Jn 15:5).
Yet the Good News is that God loved us so much that He sent His only-begotten Son that we might have the opportunity to believe in Him and have eternal life (Jn 3:16). God in His mercy has offered us life “with and in Christ Jesus” (Eph 2:6), “life to the full” (Jn 10:10). Jesus proclaims: “See, I make all things new!” (Rv 21:5) God and God alone can make all things new and beautiful. Therefore, “fix your eyes on Jesus” (Heb 3:1).
Are you feeling hopeless, like Qoheleth? Do you feel alone, dejected, discouraged, pessimistic? Is your life without hope? Come to Jesus (Mt 11:28). He will change your “mourning into dancing” (Ps 30:12). Jesus will give you His very own, eternal, boundless, complete joy (Jn 15:11). In Jesus, we are new creations (2 Cor 5:17).
Prayer: Father, when I am without hope, give me the grace to turn to Jesus rather than turning in on myself.
Promise: “A thousand years in Your sight are as yesterday, now that it is past.” —Ps 90:4
Praise: With simplicity of faith, Randy, a four-pack-a-day smoker, was instantly healed of that addiction by a humble prayer empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(For a related teaching on Hope, listen to, download or order our CD 70-1 or DVD 70 on our website.)
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