Eternal Hope
In our last teaching video in our 2024 ‘Surprising Hope’ series, Naomi Wolfe reflects on 2 Corinthians 4:16-28 and the eternal hope we have in Jesus.
A transcript of Jason Forbes' reflection can be downloaded here.
In today’s teaching video Rev Jason Forbes reflects on Romans 5:1-5 and the hope we find in Jesus amidst our suffering.
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Romans 5:1-5
Rev Jason Forbes, Disability Advocate with Jericho Road, reflects on the hope we have in Jesus - a hope that is found and produced in the midst of suffering. A surprising hope that surpasses our suffering and does not put us to shame.
We invite you to pray and continue reflecting on Jason Forbes' reflection today.
Reflect:
What’s your response to suffering, whether your own suffering or the suffering of others?
Consider the connection between endurance, character development, and hope in the face of suffering. Reflect on a time when you experienced endurance through hardship and the impact it had on your spiritual growth or perspective on life.
How does the vulnerability and suffering we see in the sacrificial love of Jesus shape our response to the suffering we experience and witness in our world today?
Pray:
Loving God,
In our lives and across your creation, we see pain and suffering. We come before you with hearts open to your presence and your word. We thank you for the hope that we have in you, a hope rooted in the peace and promises of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As we journey through the trials of life, we ask that you grant us the strength to endure, knowing that through endurance we can find a pathway to build and shape our character. In the midst of suffering Lord, may we draw closer to you.
We remember that Jesus submitted himself to suffering in order to reconcile all things. May we too be willing to face and endure suffering, in the pursuit of your peace and reconciliation.
Lord, as we face challenges, disabilities, and hardships, and as we bear witness to the pain around us – we ask that you grant us the grace to hold on to transformative hope that we find in you.
May our lives be a testament to your faithfulness and your glory.
In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Jason Forbes is a Disability Advocate with Jericho Road, a social service equipping Presbyterian Churches across NSW and the ACT to respond to the needs of people with disabilities. Jason has Cerebral Palsy and speaks with many churches and community groups around NSW and the ACT about the importance of disability inclusion. He recently completed a Masters in Theology, and enjoys cycling, traveling, motorsport, and deep conversation.
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