This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope.”
Matthew 12:17-21
Father God, as I close out this week thinking on hope, I cannot forget that all my hope is placed in the Person of my Savior, Brother, Groom, and Lover of my soul – Jesus! What more can I say concerning Him? If I don’t mention the sacrifice, He still stands head and shoulders above all just regarding His righteousness and justice. If I don’t mention His character, He still outshines all in His gentleness and humility. And if I don’t mention His deportment, He still exceeds all of our expectations regarding His power and might. And He gave all of that up, taking on the form of a man, clothing Himself in this mortal flesh. And He died a cruel and vicious death, paying the price for not just me but all who would believe in Him. And to think, You loved me so much that You sent Him to die for me (John 3:16)! What manner of love (1 John 3:1)!
And Lord Jesus, how could You love me so much to do that for me? My mind tells me that it was just You being obedient to Your Father. Yet, You said Yourself that You loved us (John 13:1)! And not only that, You have promised never to leave me nor forsake me (Matthew 28:20b)! And if that was not enough, to make sure that I am able to complete this sanctification journey that You have for me, You gave me Your Holy Spirit (John 20:22), filling me even as He filled You while You walked amongst us, Him descending upon me even as He descended upon You (John 1:32-33, Acts 2:3-4). And through Him and by Him I am made a new creation, with the old passing away and all things becoming new (2 Corinthians 5:17)!
And Holy Spirit, my soul rejoices today because You continue to remind me that this life is but a shadow of what is to come. You remind me that one day I will again play in the snow like a child, pet lions and tigers, run with wolves, and live at peace with everyone (Isaiah 11:6-9). You encourage my heart, telling me that in that day I will know even as I am known (1 Corinthians 13:10), and that I will behold my God in all of Your glory (1 Timothy 6:16). And, because You speak to me daily, You continue to stoke the flames of my faith, because it is founded upon my hope in You (Hebrews 11:1).
My God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – in You, and You alone I place my hope. My hope is in the new creation that will be manifested when my Savior returns (Romans 6:18-24), when my corrupt flesh will take on incorruption (1 Corinthians 15:53), and I will be caught up, whether dead or alive, to meet You in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Though I cannot see it or truly fathom it, I hold fast to it, knowing that You, Who promised, is faithful to bring it to pass (Hebrews 10:23). Thank You for this marvelous salvation that I have in You!