Healing Rays of Righteousness

“In the darkness, see the LIGHT. In the stillness, hear the SHOUT, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the nations.” Be amazed, and sing “To us a child of hope is born, to us a son is giv’n.”

With these words, I concluded my last blog, encouraging us to make this “good news” story our story for the new year of 2024. And this past Monday we remembered Rev. Martin Luther King, a pastor-prophet who believed, lived, and boldly preached this HOPE that the child Jesus brought into our world.

And, in remembrance of his Christian witness, we sang together the powerful words of HOPE that he inspired in us; “We shall overcome, we shall overcome, we shall overcome some-day! Oh, deep in my heart I do believe – we shall overcome some-day.” And verse two, “We’ll walk hand in hand … some-day!” Followed byverse three, “We shall live in peace … some-day!”

These events stirred my thoughts to remember Jesus, the adult “child of hope” saying to his disciples and us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

During my years of experience as pastor-chaplain I have seen and felt the important life-giving role that Christian HOPE offers us in times of difficulty and grief. I would often say to others that we need “hope to cope” during such times. But now I say that a Christian HOPE-filled response to the pains of troubles and disappointments, offers us more than just “coping” energy. Rather, it is a HOPE that “overcomes” our experiences of darkness, dangers, and death; bringing healing to the deep wounds of grief.

This HOPE is grounded in Jesus’ death and resurrection. This HOPE is a divine gift which energizes and enables us to envision possibility, “a way through” that shapes our responses in any and every difficult, threatening circumstance or situation. This HOPE assures that “We shall overcome!”

This HOPE is not “wishful thinking” as in “I hope it doesn’t rain on our vacation,” which is a most popular use of this word.And neither is this HOPE “reasonable expectation” as when the doctor says to family members, “We have every reason to hope for full recovery” following surgical treatment to the patient. The doctor’s use of the word “hope” is based on and limited to the doctor’s past experiences.

Whereas, the “HOPE” we hear expressed by the biblical writers, is a dynamic word of confident assurance in a promised future of eternal life with our glorious, gracious God. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Yes, we will be the recipients in God’s glorious triumph in overcoming the darkness of sin and death. This is the strong, overcoming, and certain hope that God has given us in Jesus’ death and resurrection.

The writer of Hebrews tells us that our faith rests on this HOPE. “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1). What an amazing gift of love! What a reason to rejoice!

<><><><><> 

“Healing Rays of Righteousness” – January 17, 2024

www.geigler13.wordpress.com – Ray M. Geigley