In addition to being Christ the King Sunday, at CtK in Bozeman today's the third Sunday in a three-part series titled "Grow as Stewards though Faith, Love and Hope!" And today's theme was "hope."
In the sermon I asked the congregation to consider what boosts their Christian hope. Is there a particular Bible verse or story that always consoles and brings hope? Or a hymn or worship song that puts things in perspective and restores hope?
One thing I always love about returning to Luther Seminary for continuing education is going to worship in the chapel. Without fail there will be at least a couple of hymns chosen that are perfect for four-part (at least) harmony - and that many seminarians, professors, pastors and church workers in one place guarantees singing with gusto and all four parts being covered. It is so fun, and inspiring, to feel a part of such a choir, so much bigger than just myself - the words and the harmonies seem to pick me up and carry me - what I hope is a foretaste of the feast to come.
What else brings you hope? What demonstrates the power of hope in your life?
One sermon illustration I left out (because, let's face it, the sermon was plenty long as it was) but which I love for the picture of hope it provides, is the movie "Shawshank Redemption." At the end of the film, Red, played by Morgan Freeman, has been released from almost a lifetime in prison. He has to negotiate life "on the outside" for the first time in decades, something a friend released before him was unable to do (Brooks took his own life out of despair). But Red has a plan to join his friend, played by Tim Robbins, in Mexico. And this is what Red says, "I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it is in my dreams. I hope..."
What a difference hope makes.
I hope for the coming of Christ. I hope that God will change my heart and make it more like his. I hope my new daughter will know that her Lord and her parents are crazy in love with her. I hope God can use me to help others know the mercy, forgiveness, love and belonging that are given in Jesus.
What do you hope for? Leave a comment and join the conversation...
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