To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. – Colossians 1:27
When considering one’s personal future and the future of life in America, new Harvard polling shows that more than two-thirds of 18- to 29-year-olds have more fear than they do hope. The polling director said, “There’s a healthy debate raging on the reasons why,” citing, “politicians, media, big money, political correctness, and structural barriers like racism and access to education.” While the secular worldview allows politicians to play with a rhetoric that offers hope, those with a biblical foundation understand the basic human need for hope and, more importantly, they know its true Source.
Christ in you, which Paul writes of in today’s verse, is a mystery that includes the hope of glory. That hope is not merely the forecast for your eternal future but hope on this earthly plane. The reality of knowing and experiencing God is the very thing from which hope springs. Pastor Ray Stedman said, “‘Christ in you‘ is something the world knows nothing about. … You will never learn about it at the great universities of the world. In all secular wisdom and knowledge, there is no recognition of the incomparable source… found only in the Gospel of Jesus.” Theologian W. E. Vine wrote, “Hope is the absolute assurance of future good.” It is also the source of peace now.
Evangelist Billy Graham said, “God’s mercy and grace give me hope—for myself, and for our world.” If you are despairing today, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal a better understanding of hope to you. Meditate on the importance of the indwelling presence of Christ in you and treasure Him. He is your strength, your joy, your guide, your wisdom, and your victory. Praise Him today as you pray for public officials, and those who seek office in government, to find hope for the future in Jesus.
Today’s Verse: Colossians 1:27
To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Ephesians 1:15-23
15 For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
