If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. (I Corinthians 15:19 ESV)
Jesus’ Life and Hope
Hidden in this conditional statement is a profound fact. Yes, Paul is writing to give us hope for life after our body’s death. But before he logically gets there, he declares that we have hope NOW.
We have hope in THIS life.
And the foundation of that hope is nothing less than the life of Jesus.
We see how Jesus was loved by the Father, and have hope that the Father loves us, too.
We see how Jesus endured temptation, and have hope that we can endure, too.
We see how Jesus’ entire life gave glory to His Father, and have hope that we can shine some glory to the Father, too.
Because Jesus’ lived… we have hope!