Kwang Sung Keem Memorial

Hope. Hope is a core idea in the Christian community. We are a people who must rest in hope. But what is hope? Especially in a time like this, how do you see hope in the present or future.

1 Corinthians 15:19–25 NLT

And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world. But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died. So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life. But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back. After that the end will come, when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father, having destroyed every ruler and authority and power. For Christ must reign until he humbles all his enemies beneath his feet.

One of the beautiful things about following Jesus is that He promises eternal life. That means death is not an end, but more of a pause. Who we truly are continues on, even though we who are left behind cannot see it.

Hope is not easy. Often it lies on the other side of grief. It is okay in these times to question, but do not live in the questions.

Psalm 23:1–6 NLT

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.

Our hope is not placed in people or things, it is placed in the eternal God who does not change or falter. That is why, even in our darkest moments, we can still have hope. It is what separates us from those who are of this world. We must cling to this hope, even when it seems darkest. God promises to never leave us. And He has proven over and over again that He can be trusted.