“Hope for Troubled Times and Troubled Souls”
Introduction
In these past weeks, many of us have witnessed images we would rather not remember.
• Burning buildings.
• Falling bodies.
• Panic filled streets.
• Flesh laced rubble.
• Commercial jets encased in skyscrapers.
• Monuments collapsing and entombing over 3,000 people each connected to a loving network of grieving people.
We have grieved.
We have cried.
We have raged at the evil of it all.
• Yet in these past weeks we have also witnessed some images that lighten the heaviness. Rescue workers tirelessly giving of themselves to serve their fellow man.
• Thousands of waving flags igniting a new surge of love for America
• Government leaders gathered as one unashamedly singing God Bless America
• While millions of people add their pleas to God for the same.
We have come to a new realization all across America that we really are vulnerable.
All of a sudden we find that many of the things we thought so important before the morning of September 11 have dimmed in light of the basic values of family, friends, love, selflessness, love of country, life.
Something inside us surges to the surface when as we witness graphic demonstrations of character and self-sacrifice and unity and humility and courage.
I don’t know about you but I have been impacted in so many different ways.
Yet in it all, a myriad of unanswered questions flood our thoughts.
How could this have been prevented?
How can people do such a think to others?
Is there any hope for something better in the future?
What is the future?
What about my children?
How can I possibly bring other children into such an evil world?
Why does God allow such evil in His world He supposedly loves so much?
Perhaps He isn’t strong enough to do anything about it?
Perhaps He isn’t really all that loving and good?
As a matter of fact where was He on September 11th?
I will share some thoughts this morning that I hope will at least point you in the right direction in regard to some of these questions.
I want to offer some thoughts first regarding the question concerning God’s whereabouts that fateful day.
• First of all, God was trying to discourage anyone from taking this flight. Those four flights together held over 1000 passengers and there were only 266 aboard.
• God was on four commercial flights giving terrified passengers the ability to stay calm. Not one of the family members who were called by a loved one on one of the highjacked planes said that passengers were screaming in the background.
• On one of the flights God was giving strength to passengers to try to overtake the highjackers.
• God was busy trying to create obstacles for employees at the World Trade
• Center. After all only around 20,000 were at the towers when the first jet hit. Since the buildings hold over 50,000 workers, this was a miracle in itself.
• How many of the people who were employed at the WTC told the media that they were late for work or they had traffic delays?
• God was holding up 2-110 story buildings so that 2/3 of the workers could get out. It was so amazing that the top of the towers didn’t topple when the jets impacted.
• God was in the rescue workers who were running into the buildings as most people were running out.
• God was in the flight attendant who called her husband as her plane was being hijacked to tell him that she loved him.
• God was in the two men who carried a wheelchair-bound woman down 70 flights of stairs to safety.
• God was in the man who stayed behind to be with his paralyzed friend.
• God was with the rescue workers who refused to leave the elderly lady slowing them down and eventually stopping at the very place that provided protection from the collapsing building.
• God was in the people who stood bleeding, in line to give blood.
• God was in the strangers in cars, picking up strangers stranded in the city and taking them home to their families.
• God is in the people who are begging to volunteer, to do anything to help.
• God is in the thousands, if not millions who are flooding blood banks thousands of miles away to help people they have never met.
• God is in the people who are comforting someone even when they don’t know what to say.
• God is in the people who watched and cried for people who may remain anonymous in name, but never in their sacrifice.
• God is in my neighborhood where I see flags waving from every home.
• God is with the heroes, most of whom will never be on the news, whose stories will only be told to their closest friends and family; but who saved someone’s mother, father, sister, brother, daughter, son, husband, wife, grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, cousin, lover, colleague, acquaintance, teacher, mentor or friend with a single act of kindness, compassion and bravery.
• However, God was indeed there, where he was needed the most.
So why doesn’t God stop such things?
He is certainly strong enough!
This goes to the question of why God continues to allow any evil in this world.
As wicked and evil as this was, history bears testimony to countless acts of unfathomable wickedness from the murder of Abel to the massacre of multi-millions of Jews in Germany to the butchering of additional millions of innocent Asians in the Cambodian killing fields.
The problem of evil continues to occupy religious and philosophical discussion to this day.
I do not intend to clear the clouds of mystery and confusion in a few short minutes.
However I offer one simple question to get you thinking in the right direction.
What would it take for God to stem the time of evil in our world?
The short answer is this!
Because we live in a world where man freely chooses to do evil things, in order for God to eliminate evil He must eliminate free choice.
God does not perpetuate such evil on our world!
Man does!
Until man decides to live according to God’s design and standard there will be evil.
The Bible unveils God’s plan for restoration of creation to the original intent.
For now, man is allowed to continue to make choices which result in pollution, pain, death, disease, broken relationships along with every other conceivable evil.
You notice I said, “For now!”
Scripture offers considerable hope in the midst of despair and confusion.
The Bible provides a glimpse, be it ever so fussy, of life under God’s righteous rule.
For the next few minutes I want to share with you just a few of the contrasts related to the problems in the world and the promises of God.
FUTURE HOPE
We see injustice
We cringe at injustice in the world.
God promises a rule of righteousness and absolute justice.
David cried for justice
Vindicate the weak and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and destitute. Psalm 82:3
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; lovingkindness and truth go before You. Psa 89:14
And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. Rev. 19:11
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2 Cor. 5:10
We see hate
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
We see wickedness of all sorts – murder, lies, deceit, crime
Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city. Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices lying. Rev. 22:14-15
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; Matthew 6:19-20
We see pain, sorrow and sadness
As in Jeremiah’s time we can only bring about superficial healing.
"They heal the brokenness of the daughter of My people superficially, saying, ’Peace, peace,’ but there is no peace. Jeremiah 8:11
And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away." Rev. 21:3-4
You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor.
He has sent Me to proclaim release to the captives, And recovery of sight to the blind,
To set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the favorable year of the Lord." Luke 4:18-19
We see war
"These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful." Rev. 17:14
We see evidence of the curse, disasters and decay everywhere
The LORD has taken away His judgments against you, He has cleared away your enemies.
The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; You will fear disaster no more. Zeph. 3:15
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. Rev. 21:1
Then he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. And there will no longer be any night; and they will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever. Rev. 22:1-5
We see homelessness
"In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3
We see hunger
"They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat; for the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd, and will guide them to springs of the water of life; and God will wipe every tear from their eyes." Rev. 7:16-17
’Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ Rev. 19:9
We struggle with doubt and mystery
For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. 1 Cor. 13:12
Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. 1 Thes. 4:17
We struggle with fear and worry
"Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. "In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. "If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. "And you know the way where I am going." Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, how do we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
John 14:1-6
We struggle with depression and anxiety
"Truly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy. 22 "Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. John 16:20, 22
We struggle with the schemes and onslaught of the enemy
The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8
And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Rev. 20:10
We struggle with the limitations of physical decay and aging
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.
Philip. 3:20-21
We struggle with the prospect of death and the process of dying
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26
Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise also partook of the same, that through death He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives. Hebrews 2:14-15
For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy that will be abolished is death. 1 Cor. 15:25-26
Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, "DEATH IS SWALLOWED UP in victory. "O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR VICTORY? O DEATH, WHERE IS YOUR STING?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Cor. 15:51-58
This is our hope.
In spite of what we see now, this is God’s promise for the future.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 1 Peter 1:3-5
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. Titus 2:11-14
PRESENT HELP
Hope for the future is fine but what about help for today?
I still have to get through the day.
I continue to struggle with the battles raging in the here and now.
Fear and worry
Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU," so that we confidently say,
"The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?" Hebrews 13:5-6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philip. 4:6-7
"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 14:27
Aging body
Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison 2 Cor. 4:16-17
Death
What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice.
Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philip. 1:18-21
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil for You are with me. Psa 23
Tribulations & Suffering
"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." John 16:33
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4
Confusion and mystery
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5
In Christ are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Col. 2:3
Great need
And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philip. 4:19
Powerlessness
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philip. 4:13
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. 1 John 5:4
"I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17
Satan’s destructive work
I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
1 John 2:14
Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7
But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world. After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 1 Peter 5:9-10
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. Romans 16:20
God not only offers hope for the future but help for the present.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Psalm 46:1-3
There are many other promises of God we could have cited this morning.
Promises of his everlasting love and acceptance
Promises of forgiveness.
Promises of a purpose and a cause
Promises of comfort in affliction
Promises of reward for faithfulness
Promise to work all things together for good
We have hope for the future.
We have help in the present.
He is worthy of our trust.
He may not do things the way we demand of even desire.
He will do things that are for our best good and His greatest glory.
He who has the son has life.
He does not have the son does not have life and the wrath of God abides on Him.
He came to his own and his own did not receive Him but to as many as received Him tot hem he gave the privilege of become the sons of God even to those who believe on His name.
A person may go to heaven without health, without riches, without honors, without learning, without friends; but he can never go there without Christ.
I am the way the truth that life, no man come to the father but by me.
Those who come to me I will give eternal life and will in no wise cast out.
That is not only our future hope but also our present help.
Blessing and benediction
So many admonitions and benedictions relate to our hope in Christ.
I bless you today with a brief collection of them.
I desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 6:11-12
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful; Hebrews 10:23
May the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. Eph 1:18-19
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:12-13
May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word. 2 Thes. 2:16-17
Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13
Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, with gentleness and reverence; 1 Peter 3:15-16
Whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:4-6
