HOPE TRIUMPHS
HOPE IN THE MIDST OF RUINS
Image credit: MELANIE ROSILLO GALVAN on Unsplash.
By REVEREND TONY ZEKVELD
Our world lies in ruins. True, we see the stunning beauty of the picturesque sky, the sunset over still waters, the majestic mountains forming a backdrop to the green rolling hills with cattle quietly grazing, the beautifully orange breasted robin treats us to its early morning song, or the twinkling stars decorating the night time skies.
Yet cities and countries lie in ruin from war, as do marriages and a host of other relationships. Alcohol abuse, drugs, gambling ruin lives and relationships. Using the image of shrapnel, many people with shattered lives, tear up saying, “Bits and pieces of me are scattered all over the place”.
The truth is that sin separates us from God and from one another. Sin shatters lives.
Who will pick up the broken pieces? Who can rebuild from the ruins? Is there hope?
Yes, in a word, there is hope. This is what Good Friday is all about. God’s judgment on our world because of our sin, Jesus, God’s only begotten Son, took upon Himself on the cross. He gave up His life, so that all who trust in Him for salvation, have hope. His bodily resurrection to life from the dead on the third day proves that He won the victory. This is what Easter Sunday is all about!
He is able to rebuild your life from the ruins! He is able to put the pieces of your life back together. To all who trust on Him, the Bible says that He gives “beauty for ashes”. That’s the trade-off! In Jesus, God promises to transform deep grief, trauma or despair into beauty, joy and purpose.
But first we must acknowledge our total ruin because of sin, that we are ‘ashes’. We have nothing left. We must repent and give our life, our all, including all our sins, to Christ. And He replaces it with a crown of beauty. He replaces my robes with His!
This is the power of His resurrection life in all who believe in Him. Should this be impossible to believe? Even the ruins of the flowers burst forth out of the dead of winter, clothed in beautiful array! Even the trees of the field having lost all their beauty in winter burst forth into bud and leaf. Its branches happily sway in refreshing gentle breezes.
Likewise, the Bible says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” What hope in the midst of ruins!
If you want to talk more, feel free to phone or text Reverend Tony Zekveld (“call me Pastor Tony”) at Hope Centre at 416-740-0543. His email is hopecentre@primus.ca and website: www.hopecentrebrampton.com.