For the hope which is laid up for you in Heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the Gospel. Colossians 1:5
Off in the distance, mountains loomed invitingly, with lovely purples and greens that appeared so beautiful. Eagerly, we anticipated reaching those mountains and enjoying their beauty more closely. As we drove closer, we entered a deep valley that partially hid the sight of those mountains for awhile. When we emerged from the valley onto a plain at the foot of the mountains, we were amazed and disappointed. What had appeared at a distance to be lovely turned out to be ugly with the deep scars of logging and mining operations and with the trappings and equipment of a ski resort. We could hardly believe how the workings of men could destroy what we had hoped to be a delightful destination. It reminded me of the hopes of humanity which appear at a distance to be beckoning and wonderful but which when reached are nothing but emptiness and disappointment. Children impatiently long for the abilities of youth; youth long for the money and the power of adulthood; adults long for the rest and release from responsibilities of seniorhood; and seniors regret that their failing strength and waning resources leave them disappointed and empty, with nothing worthwhile available from their lives of hard work and commitment. That is the hope of earth, and of those who have nothing to hope for beyond this earth. How different the hope of the believer, which is based not on this fleeting scene but on the eternal promises of Glory!
Our text speaks of our hope being laid up in Heaven. The term ‘laid up’ speaks of a deposit, a firm commitment. The Lord Jesus could tell His disciples that He was preparing mansions for them in His Father’s house (John 14:2). Paul could remind the Corinthians that their affliction was worthwhile, because ‘it worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory’ (2 Corinthians 4:17). As Christians, our lives of work and aspiration might well be similar to those of non-believers. But our hope is vastly different. Our destination is not a relaxing retirement, although many of us will enjoy that too. No, we see beyond the progressions and achievements and retirements of earth to an eternal rest and glorious eternity. For our citizenship is in heaven, from whence we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20).
Is it any wonder that Christians love to hear the Gospel preached? We thrill at the message each time it falls on our ears, and as our text indicates, it is through that message that we received our hope in Heaven. The Gospel message lifted us out of the despair of earth’s endeavours, and the hopelessness of a Christless life. The Gospel message presented to us the possibility of escaping the damnation that we deserved and obtaining forgiveness from a loving God Who desires us to enjoy His presence forever. The Gospel released us from sin’s chains and made us citizens of a better land forever.
We have a hope. The Gospel brought it to us. The Father has laid it up for us. It can never disappoint. Rejoice! – Jim MacIntosh