Titus 2:13–14 – looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

God’s grace teaches you to expect and prepare for your blessed hope. You should live in active expectation of the return of your Savior, Jesus. That hope is not heaven or glory, but Jesus Himself, face to face, closer than ever. This word “hope” is not a wish. It is the certainty of blessing which will occur when Christ appears again. The gospel of grace should affect your present behavior by your constant focus on God’s unmerited favor in your past. But the Gospel also promotes godly living by focusing on the future work that God wants to do through you. While living as temporary residences in this world, you are inspired by a magnificent hope which Paul calls the “glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” Jesus gave Himself for us. Every word of this description of Jesus’ work is important. Jesus “gave,” which means it was voluntary. He gave “Himself,” which means Jesus gave all He could give. And He gave Himself “for us,” which means Jesus was given as a substitute for sinful man. You and I are bought out of our slavery to sin, and purchased for His service. We are His redeemed and we are purchased by Him to live with great zeal. This is zeal for righteousness in our own life, before zeal for righteousness in the lives of others.

Challenge:

Are you actively looking for and anticipating the return of Jesus Christ for you and His church? If you really believe Jesus is coming soon, that belief will affect everything that you do. You will see your current situation through the lens of eternity. You will be able to see your present pain as only temporary and as a wonderful opportunity for God to show Himself to you. The apostle Paul was able to rise above his every circumstance by seeing them as was for God to display His grace and mercy. Your challenge this week is to spread the hope of Jesus’ return for His people with others. Remind people who are down and out, that Jesus is coming to set things in order again. Encourage those who have experienced a great loss in their lives, that Jesus will restore their joy when He takes them home. Share with the unsaved that only through faith in Christ, can they find lasting peace in this hurting and dying world. Help others this week to see the real hope that you have, then point them to the Lord so they can have this hope as well. God bless you.