HERALDS OF HOPE

 

Preachers are to be heralds of hope.  A herald in John’s day was a messenger of the king who went ahead of his lord’s arrival to prepare for his coming. That is what preachers are and what we do. Our announcement is that, “The King is coming!”  We are to prepare the people. Their destiny is glorious. No matter their struggle now, despite the situation today, the promise is that some golden daybreak Jesus will come. John beheld this incomparable glory in Revelation 21.

We must preach THE HOPE OF OUR DELIVERANCE, “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea.”  (Rev.21:1). John was isolated on a prison island. Surrounded by stormy seas, those waters shut him away from his church family. To think of that barrier removed was cause for rejoicing!  Captive to our challenging circumstances can get old. Yet, God will make all things new!

We must proclaim THE HOPE OF OUR DWELLING, “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.” (Rev.21:2-3).  We must continually remind our congregation not to settle down in this world. If people are comfortable with their status, we are to remind them that it is passing away. God has infinitely better prepared. On the other hand, if people seem captive to their situation in the world, we are to reinforce that relief is coming.  We are not home yet!

We must herald THE HOPE OF OUR DELIGHT,  “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Rev.‭21‬:‭‭4). All that brings sorrow and suffering here is caused by sin.  The delight of a world of absolute holiness and its happiness awaits God’s people!  Let us be faithful as God’s preachers to remind our members to live for eternity!