The Gospel, the good news that God has intervened (via the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ) on behalf of people who have rebelled against him, breathes new life into weary men and women.
Paul wrote that Christ Jesus was “our hope” (1 Timothy 1:1). In this first letter to Timothy, he goes on to explain how and why such is the case.
Jesus Christ provides freedom from the past.
“I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.” (1 Tim.1:12-16)
We all carry around some pain from past sin that we have committed. Some do so more than others be- cause they don’t feel forgiven and they can’t seem to get out from under the dark shadow cast by the past. Knowing that Jesus came into this world to save the worst of us sinners—understanding the truth of salvation—gives us freedom from the past and provides a feeling of liberation.
Jesus Christ provides power for the present.
“This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper Time.” ( 1 Tim.2:3-6)
We don’t face any trial or circumstance alone. Our Lord stands at our side and pleads our case. He knows just exactly what it is that we are feeling and experiencing. We have the power to obey and to be faithful.
Jesus Christ provides hope for the future.
“I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal do- minion. Amen.” (1 Tim. 6:13-16)
Any attempt to restore strength to a weary man must first succeed in showing him that there is some future goal. There is something to live for and look forward to. Our King is coming! He is coming to take us to be with him in the glory of heaven.
Jesus Christ provides the encouragement that those who are weary so desperately need.
