Tamuz 1
Hope
“endurance produces character, and character produces HOPE …” (Rom 5:4 CJB,
emphasis mine)
Noah Webster has
an interesting definition of the word ‘hope’: “A desire of some good, accompanied with at
least a slight expectation of obtaining it, or a belief that it is obtainable.
Hope differs from wish and desire in this, that it implies some expectation of
obtaining the good desired, or the possibility of possessing it. Hope therefore
always gives pleasure or joy; whereas wish and desire may produce or be
accompanied with pain and anxiety.”[1] I have also understood that the basic
difference between a hope and a desire is that hope is birthed in the mind and
spirit, whereas desire comes from emotions, both good and bad.
The Greek word used in this verse is elpis (Strong’s G1680), and means an
anticipation or expectation of good.
When we look closely at other places within the Brit Chadeshah (New Testament) where this word has been used, we
find that it defines itself. For
example, in Titus 1:2 we find this word elpis
used in connection with everlasting life:
“in expectation of
everlasting life which Elohim, who does not lie, promised before times of old”
(emphasis mine). This is certainly a
hope that all of us who profess to be disciples of the living Elohim reach for. Romans 15:4 tells us “For whatever was written before was written for our
instruction, that through endurance and encouragement of the Scriptures we
might have the expectation” (emphasis
mine). Expectation of what? Everlasting life.
I have
walked through a season of absolute hopelessness, a dark and depressing place
to be. However, when I was finally able
to come through this season, appear
out the other side, the lessons learned were vital. In whom do I place my expectations and
hope? In my Creator, Redeemer, and
Father, the Elohim of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, He is my hope.
“And not only so, but even we ourselves who have the first-fruits of the
Spirit, we ourselves also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the
adoption, the redemption of our body. For in THIS
expectation we were saved, but expectation that is seen IS NOT expectation, for
when anyone sees, does he expect it? And if we expect
what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with endurance.” (Rom
8:23-25 ISR 2009, emphasis mine)
©2018
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