Posts tagged hope

He comes, and he has died on the cross; shed his blood that we may have mercy.

He comes. So be glad. Rejoice. As St. Paul says: look: be joyful always.

For Jesus has given all, and he has done so in joy. Leave here today, then, pondering your worth, and still too in joy, contemplating this question:

Do you have any idea how much Jesus loves you? So much so, that he died. Thanks be to God. Amen.

May the Holy Spirit wash over you and calm the storm of your heart.

May he give you the courage and conviction to face with righteousness and strength that which you must face, knowing that your redeemer lives.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, whatever you may face; and whatever you may be facing; whatever secret battles unknown; LISTEN! I tell you, you are not alone.

Listen and take hope. I tell you, in the name of Jesus Christ:

Peace be with you. Peace be with you. Peace be with you.

So it will be. Amen.

Let us not say to Jesus that he can be our SOMETHING but not our EVERYTHING.

Let us not say to him that he is our HOPE but not our comfort, and CERTAINLY not our joy; those things come from this world.

And then, let us look at what the TRUTH of the promises are. NOT metaphoric. NOT for this world. NOT for this life. NOT for the self indulgent culture that seeks only those things that relate to itself.

This is outside of us. This is life. This is GOD. This is salvation.

Peace is knowing that things will be all right. Peace is HAVING hope; and knowing that nothing can take it away from you. Peace is having your purpose be sure and clear and knowing that no manner of violence will take it away from you.

Be where Jesus is. Come and worship him: him who died for you. He is not merely some sort of life coach who is there to help you out when you need him. HE IS GOD. He is the purpose and meaning of all. He is life and hope and he IS COMING!

JESUS has come. And Jesus comes again. He comes, and there will be joy just by us being in his presence! He comes, and he breathes life and restoration into the fallen creation! He comes, and all is healed, and all is made well, and all the evil that is in our hearts and in our lives is taken away! He comes, and DEATH is no more!

Be where Jesus is. Come and worship him: him who died for you. He is not merely some sort of life coach who is there to help you out when you need him. HE IS GOD. He is the purpose and meaning of all. He is life and hope and he IS COMING!

-Aj Neugebauer LCMS pastor