Hope of Mankind

 

    We all have hope.  All we have to do is grab for it.  God has met us further than half way.  Paul understood the hope in faith better than most.  He had lived both ends of the spectrum and knew which side was better.  Religion will never save you, but a relationship with God through Jesus has eternal hope.

    Paul was in Rome.  He loved Rome, but I doubt he ever wanted to be a prisoner in the city.  However, he embraced his situation because he knew God put him there for a reason.  He did not need to understand every aspect to find joy in following Jesus no matter what.  

    Nero was a cruel emperor.  Like most politicians it was all about power.  He killed his own mother and wife.  His lifestyle was the center of paganism, secularism, and sinful living.  He brought all that into Rome as a ruler and a way of life.

    Rome's population was two million.  Half of those people were slaves.  It was a dark city that did not hold a lot of hope for the average person.  It held poverty, cruelty, and suffering.  However, the citizens took pride in their status.  The wealthy was a small fraction of the people.  They built their wealth and stature on the backs of those who were being crushed because they were immoral and corrupt.  It was the way of life in Rome.

    Paul saw the truth.  He did not shy away from it.  He did not ignore it.  He used every opportunity that God gave him.  He defended himself like a lawyer.  He stood firm in his relationship with Jesus even if it would cost him his life.  He lived out his hope that outshined the darkness of the corruption and evil.  

    Paul was a prisoner, but he lived out his hope.  He trusted the Messiah and his eternal life.  He believed the promise that the dead that lived faithfully would rise.  That even if he was killed in Rome, that he would awake in Heaven.  It is the same hope that all Christians should have today.  No matter how dark and corrupt the world is God always keeps his promises. Live out your faith and hope.

Isaiah 40:28-31, Acts 28:28-31, Romans 15:4-13, & Hebrews 11:1-3