But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.
1 Corinthians 15:20
How hopeful are you about the future?
While a loss of hope does not discriminate against age, a survey conducted by Deloitte in 2016 revealed a concerning loss of hope among Australian Young People between the ages of 18-35. Their top concerns were:
- Income inequality and the distribution of wealth.
- Terrorism and crime.
- The environment and climate change.
Fast forward five years and as the world continues to battle the COVID pandemic, anxiety levels among all sections of society have increased, we have witnessed rioting around the world and deeply divided nations.
Is there any realistic chance of hope for the future?
Over the next few days, we are going to focus on 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 and you will notice it provides us with many reasons to be hopeful about the future:
- People who have died believing in Jesus have the certain hope they will one day be raised from the dead! Paul uses the image of harvest time – The Risen Jesus is the first of this resurrection harvest, guaranteeing the resurrection of the dead in Christ (v20), including all those who will be alive at His Second Coming. (vv21-23)
- Jesus will also set up His Kingdom on earth, putting an end to injustice, inequality, war, terrorism, and despair and following His 1,000 year reign, He will hand it over to His Father (v24).
- Ultimately, when the great plan and purpose of God is fulfilled, there will be a refreshed heaven and earth – no decay, destruction, or death – an environment that has been redeemed by God. (vv25-28)
The lynchpin of it all? The resurrection of Jesus! Jesus’ resurrection did not just secure our personal salvation; it also secured the restoration of the planet. The earth will be ultimately put right and reflect God’s original purpose for it.
All because of the resurrection.
We have great reasons to be hopeful about the future!
For reflection: What worries you the most about our world today? What would you like to see put right?
How hopeful are you about the future?
While a loss of hope does not discriminate against age, a survey conducted by Deloitte in 2016 revealed a concerning loss of hope among Australian Young People between the ages of 18-35. Their top concerns were:
- Income inequality and the distribution of wealth.
- Terrorism and crime.
- The environment and climate change.
Fast forward five years and as the world continues to battle the COVID pandemic, anxiety levels among all sections of society have increased, we have witnessed rioting around the world and deeply divided nations.
Is there any realistic chance of hope for the future?
Over the next few days, we are going to focus on 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 and you will notice it provides us with many reasons to be hopeful about the future:
- People who have died believing in Jesus have the certain hope they will one day be raised from the dead! Paul uses the image of harvest time – The Risen Jesus is the first of this resurrection harvest, guaranteeing the resurrection of the dead in Christ (v20), including all those who will be alive at His Second Coming. (vv21-23)
- Jesus will also set up His Kingdom on earth, putting an end to injustice, inequality, war, terrorism, and despair and following His 1,000 year reign, He will hand it over to His Father (v24).
- Ultimately, when the great plan and purpose of God is fulfilled, there will be a refreshed heaven and earth – no decay, destruction, or death – an environment that has been redeemed by God. (vv25-28)
The lynchpin of it all? The resurrection of Jesus! Jesus’ resurrection did not just secure our personal salvation; it also secured the restoration of the planet. The earth will be ultimately put right and reflect God’s original purpose for it.
All because of the resurrection.
We have great reasons to be hopeful about the future!
For reflection: What worries you the most about our world today? What would you like to see put right?