“But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.” (Acts 26:22-23)

     In his own defense, Paul stood and spoke before King Agrippa.  He reasoned that the words he preached were truthful because of all that the prophets proclaimed had become a reality.  Israel's hope was that God would save his people and raise the dead, and Paul points to the irony that he is on trial for proclaiming that Jesus has fulfilled that hope.

     This is the hope that is within everyone who believes and confesses Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  It is a hope which sustains and encourages us throughout our lives.  We don’t have to worry about ourselves, but we can pray for those who are still without hope.  We can have a deep love and concern for them and their future.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for giving us the great hope we have because of what you have done for us.  We pray for those without hope, that they may also possess this hope and that they will be confident of their future.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.