The Hope of All Nations

How is it we are halfway through 2019? As insane it is, I am excited for July’s word for, “What Does This Even Mean?” It’s a word of hope, life, and rest. Deep within this word is the truest form of security one could ever hope in. The word is, “Salvation.” Which is the life decision to believe and confess Jesus is the risen Savior of the world. The gift full of grace, peace, and purpose.

I’ve lost many important items in my life. However, I hold the record for losing my car keys. I know, it’s impressive. Without my permission, my keys have wandered into many places they weren’t supposed to (wink, wink). They’ve found temporary homes in random restrooms, couch cushions, and small spaces. All while leaving me in a frantic search.

Romans 10:9-11, “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”

Salvation is the available hope of Jesus to all people. All of humanity are children of God and all of humanity needs His Son. Why? Apart from Jesus we are separated from a righteous God. How? When God created the world, His original design was perfection. It was a design of pure affection and relationship between Him, the Creator, and us, the creation. To walk with and enjoy each other in a place of delight and order. What happened?

The fallen angel, the father of lies, the deceiver, the schemer. The devil twisted God’s order and with our disobedience came the curse of sin—opposition of God’s perfect design. And ever since, all people have been trapped in brokenness seeking a way out. Stuck in a frantic search to cure the illness of sin.

I picture myself in the similar search for my keys. Looking every direction, under, above, and over again. Indeed, I know they are lost and indeed I know I need them. Could this be the way of salvation? Gracefully, no.

Romans 10:8, “But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim);”

God graciously gave us an exit way out of brokenness and an entry way into faith. Jesus left God’s perfect design to come to a broken world and yet did not sin. He died an undeserved death, one of exceeding grace for the payment of our sin. Resulting in the reality of turning from our worldly ways and trusting in Him. A life restored back to walking with and delighting in our Father.

Finding Jesus is not a frantic search. He is not lost, hiding, or wandering in a chase. He, the Word, is near and a treasure ready to be found. And once claimed, to be spread to all nations of the Earth. Upon our belief we are no longer in shame or fear of our future. How can we keep this treasure to ourselves?

Romans 10:13-15, “For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

Once in Light, we cannot keep it from those still in darkness—those who do not know the hope of Jesus. A fulfilled heart has no option but to overflow in its telling. And God invites all to play a part in speaking the beautiful news of the Gospel.

If you have not believed and confessed Jesus to be your Savior, I ask what is keeping you? A life of relief from an exhausting search is available. A life of peace from the world’s pull is near. A life of exceeding grace is a gift awaiting acceptance.

If you have trusted in Jesus, I would encourage you to praise Him in thankfulness. I would encourage you to ask Him if He would have you send or have you go to those who have no access to hearing the Gospel. I would encourage you to be zealous

in speaking of Jesus to those around you.

How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!

Never hesitate to reach out!

-Cam