Titus 1:2, “In hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began.”
Paul wrote the book of Titus before he wrote 2 Timothy to guide and instruct Titus in working with the churches on the island of Crete. In Titus 1:5, it states, “The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you.” Crete is the largest and most populated of the Greek islands. This island, according to my Life Application NIV Study Bible notes was known for laziness, gluttony, false cults, and lying. In Paul’s time, there were modern philosophers just like we have today that questioned, what is truth? But Paul preached the truth that would save people from Hell. In contrast, those who proclaim knowing the science or psychology cannot save a soul. “The Christian gospel does not in the first place offer men an intellectual creed or a moral code; it offers them life, the very life of God.” (Barclay). This is immediate and eternal for those that trust in Him.
Have you lost your hope today? What would you choose to change if you could? Has someone or something let you down? I have been in this position a few times recently.
I must ask myself, if knowing the assurance of my eternal life and that Christ is returning soon, am I living courageously or merely wanting to escape? Some days that word escape is my first choice. There are more and more issues our parents never had to face in their lifetime that our children and we are facing now. Life often seems toxic. Yet we must set our minds on the promises of God. That is our fuel to immerse our hearts and reboot our minds to live and breathe by. The Message states Titus 1:2 this way, “My aim is to raise hopes by pointing the way to life without end. This is the life God promised long ago – and he doesn’t break promises!”
Job declared in Job 13:15a, “Though he slay me, I will hope in him.”
David stated in Psalm 39:7, “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you.”
Paul taught in Titus 2:13, “Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Habakkuk 3:17-18, “Though the fig tree does not bud, and there are no grapes on the vines . . . yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
Have I learned to trust God as Job, Habakkuk, David, and Paul did? Not always. Difficult circumstances come and go. This week’s problems encountered may not be relevant one to two weeks from now. Today’s news headlines will be replaced tomorrow with some other disaster and tragedy of injustices. Trusting in God’s power, presence, provision, rescue, and divine judgment will result in peace and joy. Our eternal hope is needed to maintain hope in this broken world when it is hard to do so.
Do you need to hear Psalm 34:18 today? “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Note that both the righteous and the wicked will have ailments and complaints. The difference is the outcome. Verse 19 declares, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” Then verse 21 states, “Affliction will slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.” Plus, take note of Psalm 7, where David sang unto the Lord when he was being slandered by Cush. He sang about God being upset with the wicked every day and judges the righteous. Psalm 7:11 NKJV, “God is a just judge, and God is angry with the wicked every day.“
I had forgotten that on three occasions Saul threw spears at David and yet David didn’t fire back. “When a man is the instrument of the enemy, he will take every opportunity to throw a spear, to make his point. Saul was such a man. David, on the other hand, was anointed by God. He didn’t fire back, and God protected him.” Jon Courson’s Application Commentary. Read that statement over again.
Nothing can stop the hand of God, the world’s creator. Search out God’s Word for His wisdom, guidance, and comfort. Talk to Him as you would talk to your own father. Your position is in Jesus and what He did for you on the cross, not on what you do. His grace is sufficient. He is preparing an enteral home with streets of gold that will be your address someday. Ask God to renew your thoughts and hold them captive in praising Him. God used Titus to encourage and give comfort to Paul when he was discouraged at a point in time (2 Corinthians 7). Ask God for a Titus in your life, and then remember God is your defender in the face of slander, accusation, and condemnation. Stand in your integrity and position in Christ. Remember whose you are so you can maintain hope and soar above the situation, when it is hard to do so.
Listen to King and Country’s official music video, Joy. May 21, 2018.