November 26, 2001
Family Bible Series for Dec. 9
A baby in Bethlehem brought hope for humanity
___Romans 15:1-13
___By Christine Hockin-Boyd
___Texas WMU, Dallas
___Ponder these statements: Mama, I hope I make a hundred on my math test; I hope Michael will call me and ask me out on a date; I hope the shooting and fighting will end soon; I hope Daddy will come home soon; I hope Grandma and Grandpa will give me the new Nintendo game for Christmas. Jesus, I hope Daddy won't get drunk tonight and hurt Mommy; I hope Daddy can find a new job so we can get our house back; I hope Mommy can get out of prison this year and come home for Christmas; I hope someone will adopt me soon so I can have a new home and parents who love me.
___Hope is to expect with confidence or to cherish a desire with anticipation. Can you empathize with some of the above statements? Did you notice the different variations of hope? Some were self-centered and others involved a deep care and desire for others. What kind of hope did Jesus bring?
___The Christmas season brings many types of emotions in individuals. For some, it is a joyous time of celebration of being with family and friends while for others it is a lonely time of feeling unloved and uncared for. Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but it also is an excellent time for sharing with non-believers the hope Jesus brings.
___The biblical definition of hope involves a belief that God will accomplish what he has promised (Psalm 71:5; Ephesians 2:12). Christian hope is based on the fact that God always has been faithful to do what he said he would do. In the New Testament, Christian hope is never wishful thinking; it is a divine certainty. It points to resurrection (1 Corinthians 15).
___God fulfilled a promise that gives hope to all people. He did that by sending Jesus through the line of Jesse that gives evidence of his faithfulness to keep his word, which in turn gives people hope.
___Non-believers cling to hope in the sense of wishful thinking or of sad longing for dreams to come true. Their hope is based on their own intellects and abilities, good fortune or others' help and provision. They usually have no solid source of real hope when their dreams are shattered. Thus, they face the continuing image of hopelessness. Christians, however, have the assurance that God's word is true and that God is true to his word. He keeps his promises. Thus, people can trust God and know his intentions toward them give them hope based on his ability and grace, not on what they can do in their own strength.
___How do you help others have and experience the hope God gives? Paul emphasizes in Romans 15 the importance of building up others, glorifying God and the hope Jesus brings. Let's focus now on verse 12--"And again, Isaiah says, 'The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him.'"
___God fulfilled a promise that gives hope to all people by sending Jesus through the line of Jesse. In biblical times, the people had to get ready for Christmas too. It took a long time for them to get ready for Jesus' birth. In fact, it took hundreds of years. God sent messages through the prophets in order for the people to get ready for the coming of the Messiah.
___Isaiah was one of those messengers. A familiar verse found in Isaiah 7:14 says, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." Isaiah taught and proclaimed to the Jews that this baby would be a king. A king that would love, obey and praise God. A king that would rule wisely and in peace. A king that would be fair and help people no one else would help. Would those words of proclamation offer you hope? Would you not be looking forward to the anticipation of this king?
___"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" (v. 13). What kind of hope are you sharing with others? Do you joyfully express with gratitude what Jesus has done in and through your life? Do you take advantage of opportunities to explain what your hope is built upon?
___The Jews waited for many years for the Hope to come. Hope did come in the form of a baby. The Jews knew and trusted in God that he would not forget them. He would keep his word. Will you share that type of conviction this Christmas season?
___A Christmas song I enjoy is titled "Light One Candle," by Natalie Sleeth. The first stanza is: "Light one candle for hope, one bright candle for hope, he brings hope to every heart, he comes! He comes!"
___Dear God, thank you for the Hope you promised and sent to us. Help us to share that hope with others this Christmas season.
___Questions for discussion
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