But in the midst of all this the Bible continually points us to the hope that we have; a hope rooted in the steadfast nature of God, and the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. We have hope that God is true to his promises to bring us into relationship with him and to establish his Kingdom way of life here on earth, now and for eternity. This hope has a very definite future orientation. We have, ‘…a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time…’ (Titus 1:2). For suffering and oppressed believers around the world, hope of a future where ‘all things are made new’ is very powerful indeed. It gives hope to endure and motivates boldness and perseverance. Some have questioned whether this future focus causes complacency in the present, and an acceptance of the status quo which is not in keeping with God’s coming Kingdom. But surely this can never truly be the case?
Our experience of God’s hope, embodied in Jesus Christ, is something that cannot fail to affect the present as well. Romans 15:13 points to this, ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.’ Hope experienced is hope overflowing; how can it be otherwise? It is in the DNA of the Church and marks us out as disciples; we are bearers of hope. As the German theologian, Moltmann writes, ‘From first to last, and not merely in the epilogue, Christianity is eschatology, is hope, forward looking and forward moving, and therefore also revolutionising and transforming the present...’ (Theology of Hope, Introduction) And I believe that we are called to share and embody this hope that we have, more than ever before. As I have been thinking about what it looks like to be Beacons of Hope, I have been reflecting on a series of images - a candle, fire pit, lighthouse and beacon.
Images of Hope Fire pit – Like many people, we love to have a fire pit! It might be after a family meal on a summer evening, or a gathering of young people and their guitars. It is a great time to relax and have fun, talk and be together, and a time to be quiet and simply stare into the firelight as the night draws in. As churches we can be Beacons of Hope in our communities by being places of welcome and hospitality. In a world where unconditional love and acceptance can be hard to practise and discover, we can model and invite people to become part of authentic community. Ph o
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Candle – Each one of us as disciples of Jesus Christ is a bearer of hope. It may not feel like this day in, day out, when our witness appears insignificant in the face of the global forces that shape the lives of our communities. Yet, like a candle that sheds light wherever it goes, we too embody and share hope through our actions, attitudes, words and prayers. We are part of God’s quiet, Kingdom revolution. ‘…let your light shine before people, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven’. Matt 5:16
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GENERAL SECRETARY
Beacons of Hope