For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4
One wag observed that there are only two kinds of people in the world: those who divide people into two kinds and those who don’t. As Christians, we know that as far as eternity goes there are only two kinds of people, those who are saved and those who are not. Our eternal destination is certainly the greatest possible difference between two groups. There is yet another very important way in which we can divide humanity into two groups: those who live their lives in fear, and those who live their lives in hope. This division is important to us, because it determines whether it is possible for us to live victorious Christian lives in this world.
Our text speaks of the combination of patience and the comfort of the Scriptures to produce hope. The contrast between fear and hope in our lives makes a huge difference in how we perceive life and how we perform. People who are fearful of their health are hypochondriacs. Such people see sickness and pain in every situation affecting their bodies, and their worry often causes the very infirmities that they dread. Insecure people live in fear about their employment status, about their friends’ fidelity, and about the intentions of everybody around them. Their constant worries turn them into personalities that cheerful folks try to avoid. Fear of death often causes many people a paralysis that keeps them from enjoying and appreciating many of the interesting and exciting aspects of life. They simply don’t dare to get involved, and so they live in boring safety. Many people have fears about the afterlife, and throw themselves into efforts to make themselves acceptable to God. These people often become so wrapped up in their religious obligations that they turn off the rest of us. Fear can be destructive in any person’s life, but can be particularly destructive and a poor testimony in the life of a Christian.
Hope is the appropriate attitude of a Christian. In terms of our eternal welfare, we can rest in calm assurance on the work of our Saviour. This hope should give us confidence in every other aspect of our lives. Health problems can be just as bad for Christians as for others, but we have One Who is with us in such trials to comfort and encourage. The loss of employment, the possibility of accidents, the departure of friends, and other disappointments of life are just as real for the Christian, too, but our loss can never be as debilitating because of the assurance of our Father’s care and concern. Overshadowing all of the ills that can befall us is the assurance that amid the ups and downs of life, the last move will be up. The worst that occurs to us here serves only to hasten us to eternal rest, comfort, and delight.
Patience is a virtue that is possible for every child of God. Patience comes from appreciating the hope we have in Christ. The comfort of the Scriptures as our text points out, is the basis for our hope. Never fear, dear Christian, our hope is secure. -Jim MacIntosh