Abound in Hope

For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.” And again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.” And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:8-13
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Abound in Hope
Ecumenicalism, the desire to agree and become one in the church, should be a goal for us all. However, too often, for the sake of ecumenicalism, people abandon pure doctrine and ignore false teachings in the spirit of getting along. The “agree to disagree” position does not work when it comes to reconciliation in the church. There is, but one truth and God has given it to us in His Word.  The Old Testament looked ahead also to a day when Jews and Gentiles would worship God together. And thanks be to God, this day has come in Christ. We should remember our hopeless existence apart from Christ and give Him thanks for bringing us into His family. According to His prophetic promises, God has raised up Jesus. And it is in Him, Jews and Gentiles are united to “glorify God for His mercy.”  Thanks be to God for His Word and for Jesus, who embodies and fulfills it. By His Holy Spirit, may we be filled with hope and “joy and peace in believing.”