Tuesday: Waiting For the Happy Fulfillment of our Hope
READ: Titus 2:11–15
SOAP: Titus 2:11–13
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. It trains us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, as we wait for the happy fulfillment of our hope in the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Devotion
God is very specific in telling us how we should live leading up to His return. I know we live in an upside-down world where what is right is considered wrong and what is wrong is considered right. But just because the world is that way doesn’t mean we have to be the same. With the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives, we can resist the temptation to be like the world. As more and more people seem to lack self-control, we can live self-controlled lives, not giving into temptations or selfish desires. As we set ourselves apart from the world, as a witness to the change Jesus has caused in us, we can live upright and godly lives. That doesn’t mean our lives are perfect, but it does mean that we reflect something of Christ by the way we choose to live.
As we wait for this happy fulfillment of our hope in Christ’s glorious return, let’s intentionally live lives that reflect the love we have for God. May our obedience flow from our love for God. Instead of looking at the world with dread, let’s see it as a place of opportunity and share Christ with those who do not know the reason for the hope that we have (1 Peter 3:15). Now is the time to share this amazing gift of hope in Christ with those around us. We don’t have to have all the answers, but we do need a passion to do our part in helping to bring salvation to all people. Make no mistake, you have been born in this exact generation for such a time as this.
Prayer
Dear Lord, create in me a love and passion for those in this world who are far from You. Help me see them the way You see them, with eyes full of love, grace, and mercy. Use me powerfully now, on this day, to help reflect You to a watching world. Give me opportunities to share with those who are searching for the reason for the hope that I have. Until the day You come back, use me powerfully with the gifts You have given me. As I eagerly wait for Your return, I’ll continue to pray, come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.