Seeing a better future
“A leader is a dealer in hope”, said Napoleon Bonaparte. We live in an age which is desperately in need of a sense of hope. Events such as September 11, 2001 and the subsequent “war on terror” have brought a renewed sense of uncertainty to the world. Previously we faced the “Cold War” threat of possible nuclear annihilation. Today’s threats are chillingly close and more personal. Locally, it includes armed forces families with members serving in the Middle East, while other students are waiting anxiously for news of relatives living in Lebanon. More broadly, global warming, ecological breakdown and constant media coverage of war and violence add to a sense of impending gloom.
So, what does it mean to be a “dealer in hope” in these troubled times? What guidance does the Bible offer to those who seek to live as messengers of that hope in the name of Jesus Christ?
Firstly, to be a dealer in hope requires the capacity to “dream” and to see a better future beyond the present reality. Politically and educationally many people have become wary of the person whose “dream” is so detached from reality that it reads like fantasy. Other visionary leaders are so task oriented that that they leave a “trail of bodies” in their path as they bulldoze their way forward. However, the biblical understanding of a visionary leader is one who prayerfully seeks after and reflects God’s plans for a better future.
A good contemporary example is Martin Luther King (Jnr.) whose hope was articulated in his famous speech, “I have dream”. He was able to see beyond the racial segregation of his day to a world where black and white children could walk hand in hand. Such was the power of his dream that others continued to pursue it after his death. Three former US presidents and George W. Bush (Jnr.) attended his widow’s funeral. One former president had opposed Civil Rights legislation in the 1960’s but came to honour her.
The prophet Jeremiah also saw God’s better future for his people. He delivered God’s message to them in a time of national despair. Their way of life and religious faith had been battered into submission by the invading Babylonians. They languished as slaves in exile, feeling abandoned by God and under God’s judgment. Jeremiah had previously predicted this consequence of their rebellion against God. Later he offered to them words of hope for a better future (Jeremiah 29:10-14). Verse 11 reads,
“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future”.
The ultimate “better future” is found through being at peace with God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. This enables us to access his grace and share in the hope of eternal life both now and forever. (Romans 5:1-5) Can you see a better future for your life, for our world?
So, what does it mean to be a “dealer in hope” in these troubled times? What guidance does the Bible offer to those who seek to live as messengers of that hope in the name of Jesus Christ?
Firstly, to be a dealer in hope requires the capacity to “dream” and to see a better future beyond the present reality. Politically and educationally many people have become wary of the person whose “dream” is so detached from reality that it reads like fantasy. Other visionary leaders are so task oriented that that they leave a “trail of bodies” in their path as they bulldoze their way forward. However, the biblical understanding of a visionary leader is one who prayerfully seeks after and reflects God’s plans for a better future.
A good contemporary example is Martin Luther King (Jnr.) whose hope was articulated in his famous speech, “I have dream”. He was able to see beyond the racial segregation of his day to a world where black and white children could walk hand in hand. Such was the power of his dream that others continued to pursue it after his death. Three former US presidents and George W. Bush (Jnr.) attended his widow’s funeral. One former president had opposed Civil Rights legislation in the 1960’s but came to honour her.
The prophet Jeremiah also saw God’s better future for his people. He delivered God’s message to them in a time of national despair. Their way of life and religious faith had been battered into submission by the invading Babylonians. They languished as slaves in exile, feeling abandoned by God and under God’s judgment. Jeremiah had previously predicted this consequence of their rebellion against God. Later he offered to them words of hope for a better future (Jeremiah 29:10-14). Verse 11 reads,
“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future”.
The ultimate “better future” is found through being at peace with God through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. This enables us to access his grace and share in the hope of eternal life both now and forever. (Romans 5:1-5) Can you see a better future for your life, for our world?
posted by Peter Wilson at 3:09 PM
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