If you are like me, you are looking forward to the time we no longer have to wear a mask, be in quarantine, or be limited to the number of people we can fellowship with. And perhaps, like me, you are finally looking forward to some special family gatherings later this year. I have some more grandchildren getting married this year and I am so looking forward to those times.

In the Bible, Titus writes about something much more important that we should be looking forward to.

“Looking for that blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Titus 2:13

We are definitely living in an age of peculiar danger and wickedness, but we are also living in an age of peculiar encouragement and boundless hope. Just what is this hope? It is the hope of eternal glory and happiness; a freedom from all evil. We are to “look for it,” “long for it,” but at the same time wait patiently as we exercise our faith. That “blessed hope” is our source of strength that carries us over and through our difficulties and disappointments.

Look with me for a moment at “Who” this great God and Savior is:

>vs. 11 By the grace of God, He brought us salvation. It is a free gift to all who believe.

>vs. 14 Through His life and death on the cross, He redeemed us from all wickedness, purifying to Himself a peculiar people (a people of His own) who would be eager to do what is good.

So, what should all this mean to us? I’ve saved verse 12 until now. Because of Who Jesus Christ is and what He has done for us, we (as children of God) should live differently from the world. While there is fear, turmoil, hatred and lies engulfing our country and world; we need to be different. Let’s be shining lights to a lost and dying world. Now, note the verse showing how we should live:

“Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live self controlled, righteously, and godly in this present world.” vs. 12

Don’t give up or give in. Continue in those things which you have learned and do them and remember to:

“Press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ.” Phil. 3:14

Greater things are ahead; that’s our Hope!

The big question is this: Are you anticipating, looking forward to and longing for Christ’s return? That may determine how you are living now.