OUR ONLY HOPE IN LIFE AND DEATH

The Devastating Effects of the Fall

Ever since the fall of man, all of creation groans under the curse.

See Romans 8:18-28...

It rains on the just and the unjust.

Because we live in a sinful and fallen world, tragedy often strikes suddenly.

In Luke’s account, we see this man was named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. His only daughter was 12 years old and at the point of death. (Luke 8:41-42)

Because we live in a sinful and fallen world, suffering often lingers.

Mark tells us that this woman had suffered much under many physicians. She had spent all she had for treatment. In spite of this, she was no better but rather grew worse. (Mark 5:25-26)

Christ, Our Hope in Life and Death

The desperate faith of Jairus

In Mark’s account, Jairus falls at the feet of Christ and earnestly implored Him to come and lay hands on his daughter. He was confident if Christ touched her, she would live. (Mark 5:22-23)

The timid faith of the woman

See Matthew 9:20-21...

The Compassion and Provision of Christ

The Lord is full of compassion and mercy for those who need Him.

2 Corinthians 1:3 describes God as the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.

See Hebrews 4:15-16...

Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

Isaiah 57:15 “For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.”

Christ has the time, desire, and ability to help us in all of our needs.

See Matthew 9:22...

Luke 8:50 “But Jesus on hearing this answered him, “Do not fear; only believe, and she will be well.””

Christ will either deliver us from our struggles or give us His grace, mercy, and presence so we can endure them.

Isaiah 41:10 “fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

An Important Reminder

If we only have hope in this life, we have no hope at all.

1 Corinthians 15:19 “If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.”

Because we live in a sinful and fallen world, our deliverance in this life will be temporary. We need an eternal hope.

John 11:25–26 “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?””

2 Peter 3:13 “But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”

Romans 8:18 “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”