… the hope of glory.
Summary: Words are the foundation of language, yet they can be slippery and deceptive. Understanding the context and the intent behind the words helps us understand the message we were intended to receive.
In the world of fiction, hope is a sparse quality. Generally speaking, fictional people are short on hope. In their world, strange things are always happening. Whether lost in a failing marriage or stranded on a peculiar planet, fictional characters often struggle without hope.
In the real world, people often find themselves in the same place. We “hope” for a promotion at work, only to be passed over when the time comes. We hope the cop with the radar gun didn’t notice us until the blue lights started to flash.
For many of us, the word “hope” is thin gruel. There is very little to sustain a person and nothing of substance to chew on.
But that is not the kind of “hope” Paul is referring to.
When Paul writes that Christ in us is “the hope of glory,” he uses the word “hope” in a very specific way.
The Greek word used is “elpís” (Strong’s G1680). “Elpís” means “to anticipate, usually with pleasure.” It describes an expectation that is based on confidence.
For example, suppose you planned to go out for dinner with someone special. You are hoping for a memorable meal. Unfortunately, you are traveling and don’t know anyone in the town you are in. You pick a restaurant and “hope” for a good meal.
We all know how those meals go. The waiter or waitress would rather be somewhere else. The cook is distracted, and the food orders are confused. The cold drinks are warm, and the hot drinks are cold.
Yuck.
Later, in your home town, you meet up again. This time, when you pick a restaurant, you pick one you know well. You know what to expect. You have never been disappointed there. You are still hoping for a memorable meal, but this time, you have confidence that the evening will be everything you hoped for.
When Paul uses the word “hope,” he is talking about our relationship with God. It is a relationship we can count on and be confident in. Paul has his own reasons for being confident in his “hope of glory.” He has met Jesus personally. We, too, can have the same confidence in God through his Son, Jesus Christ. We have the Word, the Bible, but we also have the Holy Spirit, promised to us by Jesus himself.
We who have a “hope of glory” through our relationship with Jesus know that Jesus always comes through. Our hope is called faith. Our faith is confidence in the Word. Our confidence is lifted up every moment of every day in the love of God.
Application: Use the word “hope” as Paul does. Take heart in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Food for Thought: What does glory have to do with hope?
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