by Cathy Vinson

(Rom 8:24-25)

An illustration of Biblical hope comes to mind. We may picture a long fishing pole protruding over a distance. There is something attached onto the other end, but it is not detectable to our eyes. All we can see is that its weight is causing the pole to bow. The BOWING is the only indicator that there IS something over there at the other end.

The bowing is an application of Biblical hope. It is hope in something...something that has not been revealed or apprehended. But the word "yet" in the above passage makes it clear there is a desired end. Without it hope would not be introduced. It would then be hope as the world gives, a hope unfounded. It would be like looking at a fishing pole that isn't bending. There is no assurance. Hope without a destiny is not
Biblical hope.

In Isaiah 32, the complacent, secure women of Jerusalen are told their state of ease is soon to be rattled. Then follows a description of what will happen in their lives. They will enter a time of mourning. All of a sudden in the list of griefs the phrase "till the Spirit is poured upon us from on high" pops up, and the whole picture changes. This "till..." and the above "yet" reveal a desired end. If it weren't for those phrases, there would be no grounds for hope, and therefore no hope. A good, yet undeserved, outcome is ensured. Hope enters into the picture.

This describes fertile ground for Biblical hope to reach its fullness. Invest your wait upon God well so the "hope that remains" (1 Cor 13:13) may have its work. We want so much to see and apprehend, yet when we see, the time of hope ceases. Let God have His full development of hope in the soil of your heart. For in your time of subjection, you are assured there is a "till" and a "yet" (Rom 8:18-25). The pole IS bowing, so therefore hope!

"The Hope that Remains"

(1 Cor 13:13)