Many today are desperate for hope for tomorrow. So many restrictions in place, hospitals overflowing, and so much civil unrest has brought mental depression to many Americans. The positive news in our country doesn’t seem to make the headlines. How can the New Year be different for us?
The Bible is full of good news. One is even called the “blessed hope” in Titus 2:13. In context it reads (verses 11-14): “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
That’s a long sentence! We need to read it a couple times to get all the good news that’s included. God’s grace is available to everyone, regardless of our past. Once we repent and accept Christ’s salvation for us, He enables us to live a holy life so that we might be prepared to meet Him at His glorious second coming. Matthew 25:31 says Jesus comes with all the holy angels. Those who choose life with Christ will be considered a “peculiar people”. Compared to the standards of the world today, it is a fit description. Christ’s followers will stand apart and above the fallen world.
Paul then tells Titus (verse 15) that he should share this news, exhort people to believe it, and admonish with authority those who choose not to believe. These verses actually summarized Paul’s whole ministry: giving people hope.
Recognizing the condition of the world today, we should heed to the instruction Paul gave to Titus. The “blessed hope” is good news for every believer today. A pastor once said “Focus on Christ and not on the crisis”. It’s good advice to follow. Christ has much to offer us; the world does not. So, be of good courage, regardless of world events. We can truly have a happy New Year.
Alan Dean, retired Seventh-day Adventist pastor
