Chaplain

Thank goodness there is hope! The waves of news last week, from bushfire to Afghanistan, from floods to coronavirus, could be overwhelming without a deep sense of hope. Hope is one thing that the gospel, the bible, comprehensively presents us with. It is not a soppy-sweet, easy, “she’ll be Jake” hope. Neither is it cross your fingers and ignore the world sort of answer but rather it is a robust and tenable hope for life.

First, the bible gives us hope as it provides a paradigm for interpreting the nature of life. The bible tells us that the current world is broken and groaning as it waits for freedom. Truly this is our experience as we know in our good world there is so much wrong. We may have contributed to this in areas like climate change. This shows our own culpability which the bible also attests to. However, there is brokenness we have little or no control over; like the occurrence of a new virus. This paradigm helps us to know that the current situation is to be expected but that this brokenness is not forever. The world will be healed, freeing us at the return of Christ.

Secondly, the reality of God’s presence, compassion and mercy gives us daily hope. As we negotiate the problems of the day, God’s presence and character sustains us. I love the words of Lamentations. As the author experiences homelessness and exile, he writes:

“My soul is downcast within me.
²¹ Yet this I call to mind
    and therefore I have hope:

²² Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.” (Lam 3:20-23)

 Thirdly, the bible gives us a long-term perspective that this life, this time, is momentary and better is yet to come. In Christ we view history moving towards its goal: the return of Jesus and the new creation. This is the hope of Glory: guaranteed by the risen Lord Jesus.

Three aspects of biblical hope our world, and perhaps you, need today. Most people do not become Christians to get hope, rather they respond to the truth of Jesus and his call to repent and believe. However, every Christian is sustained and inspired by this tangible, unchanging and sure hope.

May the God of hope and compassionate mercy fill you all with his blessings today,

Just a reminder that the Chaplains are happy to chat if you would like support or prayer at this time. Feel free to reach out by email so we can contact you.

Ms Bronwyn Lihou
Senior Campus Chaplain
blihou@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9909 3133

Ms Fiona McKenzie
Junior Campus Chaplain
fmckenzie@redlands.nsw.edu.au
9953 6022