Called to Hope
Advent Week One, Day Six
Eph. 1:15-21

Focus: “…that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you…”

During this time of the year it is easy to get caught up in the excitement of what is to come on Christmas morning. Thoughts of time with family members and guests or coordinating the logistics of our celebration may consume our attention to the point that we find we have placed our hope in the things we may get or the people with whom we will spend time rather than in the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

Today’s verses tell us that one of the blessings of following Jesus is a future hope. In writing this letter, Paul even went so far as to say that those who follow Jesus are “called” to hope.

“In Christ, our sins have been forgiven, and we have been given an inheritance that this world knows no way to measure. In the Holy Spirit, we have been sealed in Christ, made secure until our final redemption when we will see the Lord face-to-face.”
(Holman Commentary)

Hope in Christ assures us that we are going toward something better than this present life. This hope is built on God’s promises that give strength, courage and direction for life today.

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
--Mote