MONDAY March 18, 2024

The Hope of Israel

“But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything of which to accuse my nation. For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”
Acts 28:19-20

Paul continued to explain to the Jewish leaders how he was not guilty of any crimes or accusations coming from the Jews in Jerusalem. In fact, the root cause of their aggression toward him and the reason why he was now in chains was all because he proclaimed Jesus to be the Messiah––the Hope of Israel.

This was not the first time we have heard about these kinds of accusations. Unbelieving Jews hated the name of Jesus, and they hated those who proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah of Israel. The Church was under a lot of persecution. Peter and John were arrested in Acts 4:3, and they were eventually let go under the condition that they would no longer preach in the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

Wicked King Herod, known as a sly fox, had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword (Acts 12:2). He proceeded to go after Peter, but the Lord delivered him from prison (Acts 12:3). Paul and Silas were beaten with rods and jailed, having their feet placed in stocks (Acts 16:20-24). But God delivered His faithful servants.

Despite persecution, Christians from all over the world have placed their hope in Jesus––the Hope of Israel. Paul encouraged us all when he said: Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).

Our hope is in Jesus Christ: To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27). Christ dwells in us, His Spirit reigns in our hearts, and one day we shall be with Him in glory.

“There shall be a root of Jesse; [Jesus, the Hope of Israel]; and He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in Him the Gentiles shall hope.”
Romans 15:12

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!