April 9

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope.  1 Timothy 1:1

There is so much to be learned from this verse.  We see that God is our Savior, although we are prone to call Jesus as our Savior.  Of course they are one and the same.  Here we define the term hope as Christ Himself.  It is not a matter of creating more hope, or fantasizing about circumstances that will generate more hope.  Instead our hope is in Christ and is defined as Christ.  When our hope is placed in Him it becomes a sure thing!  There is no room for error or chance.

This is another statement of our position in Christ.  All that is in Him is also in us by faith.  We walk this earth in faith, hope and love, and they embody the life of Christ.  We are to abide, or dwell and live, in Him. 

The contrast with the world system is remarkable.  The world longs and hopes for peace, yet it is to be found only in Jesus.  We hope for abundant life, all the while needing to be reminded that we have already found it in Him. 

As I grow old in years, I am continually growing younger in Spirit.  What I mean is that there is a renewal of life within me because I am learning to see more of Jesus at every turn.  O I know that I fail at times, but those moments seem fewer in number.  My hope is secure in Him for a better, more Christ-like life.

Heavenly Father, we praise You.  The gift of Christ is immeasurable.  We rejoice in the hope and life of Your Son.  Amen.

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