From the Pulpit: Hope you can count on

About two years ago, I visited Washington D.C. While there, I had the opportunity to see the Hope Diamond on display in the Smithsonian Institute. As you might know, it is the most beautiful blue diamond in the world. There are no words with which to describe it. For a long time, I stood above it and looked through the bulletproof glass at the diamond and its roommate, The Portuguese Diamond. The Portuguese Diamond is twice the size of the Hope Diamond and brilliantly white.

I heard a nearby guard say no price has been put on the two of them together. (The Hope Diamond has been evaluated by Lloyds of London because it was sold several times). Now the value of these two diamonds doesn’t matter, for they will never be sold again. They are priceless. They are our own. They belong to America. They are ours forever.

No matter how much one can appreciate these two priceless diamonds, there is a priceless hope found in the person of Jesus Christ far greater than any precious stones. The Bible teaches us in Colossians 1:27 that Christ in you is your hope of glory. The good news of salvation through Christ was not known in the world until it was revealed in Christ. The indwelling Christ available for all humanity is our hope of glory; the destiny planned for God’s children. So it is that we preach Christ in you as your hope of glory for the world and also the world to come in heaven.

How can I know that hope of Christ living in me? By asking. Romans 10:13 says, “for whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” God is waiting to give you the hope of glory in your heart by faith in Jesus if you but ask him. Jesus loves all people and calls all into a personal relationship with him. He is the giver and we are the recipients of hope.

Edward Mote described hope in this way: “My hope is built on nothing else than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus’ Name. On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand. When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in Him be found; dressed in His righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the Throne. On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.”

Finally, share your hope in Christ with others. I Peter 3:15 says, “… always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you, a reason for the hope that is in you …” Believers in Christ should always be ready to acknowledge the eternal holiness of Christ and the blessed hope found in Him.

The Rev. Bruce Sheffield is pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Crestview at 599 Eighth Ave. (phone 682-2018). Sunday morning worship is at 8 a.m. in the Chapel and 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary for traditional services, and at 9:12 a.m. in the Sanctuary for our contemporary service. Sunday evening service is at 6 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Web site: www.crestviewfumc.com. E-mail: office@crestviewfumc.com.