Elijah and Biblical Hope

We are now 5 weeks into the series on Biblical Hope. It didn't take long to get me back to one of my all time favorite stories in the Bible. This has been such a great class to be with- they are so loving and encouraging. This is the last OT lesson, on to the NT next week.

Elijah’s story is one of power, confrontation, and victory. In 1 Kings 18, he experienced one of the most dramatic moments of his life, calling down fire from heaven in the showdown against the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel. You would think that after such a decisive victory, Elijah would feel confident, but in the very next chapter, we find him fleeing for his life from Queen Jezebel. The powerful prophet who stood fearlessly on Carmel was now a man on the run, gripped by fear and despair.

After running for his life, Elijah ended up in the wilderness, sitting under a broom tree. This is one of the most poignant moments in the Bible, as we see Elijah reach the end of himself. He was exhausted, defeated, and done. But even in the midst of his darkest moment, God had already prepared a place of rest for him. The broom tree, a plant that takes years to grow, was there to provide Elijah with shade and shelter. It wasn’t just coincidence—God had been growing that tree long before Elijah’s journey began. Just as God prepared that tree for Elijah, He often places people and situations in our lives to sustain us when we reach our limit.

Under that tree, Elijah was fed by an angel, not once but twice. It’s easy to overlook these moments as small or insignificant, but in reality, they’re miraculous. Elijah didn’t get a dramatic rescue—he didn’t need it. What he needed was the strength to keep going, and God provided it. In the same way, when we find ourselves at the end of our strength, God often sends small, quiet mercies—a timely text, a word of encouragement, or a stranger’s kindness—to remind us that He is still with us, feeding us with the sustenance we need for the journey ahead.

After this, Elijah traveled to Mt. Horeb, the mountain of God, where he had a life-changing encounter. Expecting another dramatic moment from God, perhaps something like what happened on Mt. Carmel, Elijah waited. And God did show up—but not in the way Elijah expected. There was a powerful wind, but God wasn’t in the wind. There was an earthquake, but God wasn’t in the earthquake. There was a fire, but God wasn’t in the fire. Then came a gentle whisper—a still, small voice—and that’s where Elijah encountered God.

This is one of the great lessons of Elijah’s story: God often works quietly, in ways we don’t expect. We want Him to act like dynamite, changing things in big, dramatic moments, but more often, He works like yeast, slowly and steadily bringing about change over time. In the quiet moments, in the small interactions, God is at work, and it’s in these places that we often find His presence the most clearly.

When Elijah heard the whisper, he came out of the cave, and God asked him a question: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” It’s the same kind of question God asked Adam in the Garden of Eden and Peter when Jesus asked, “Who do you say that I am?” God doesn’t ask these questions because He needs information—He asks them to engage our hearts. In Elijah’s case, the question was both convicting and comforting. Elijah’s response revealed his despair—he felt like the last one standing, the last prophet of God. But God’s reply was full of hope: there were still 7,000 who hadn’t bowed to Baal. Elijah wasn’t alone, and God’s mission wasn’t finished.

God’s gentle voice restored Elijah’s hope. The dramatic change Elijah had hoped for wasn’t coming through a single moment, but God was still working. Elijah was renewed with purpose and sent back on mission, picking up a friend, Elisha, along the way. The slow, steady work of God continued, just as it does in our lives.

We often think that God’s most significant work happens in the big moments, but the truth is that He’s working in the quiet, everyday details of our lives. The broom tree in the desert didn’t grow overnight—it took years to be ready for Elijah. Likewise, God is planting and preparing things in our lives, long before we know we’ll need them. These “broom trees” are people, circumstances, or even Scriptures that will sustain us when we find ourselves in the wilderness.

God’s presence in the quiet moments drives out fear and replaces it with hope. We may want God to act like dynamite, but His ways are often like yeast, transforming us slowly over time. And as we walk through the peaks and valleys of life, we can trust that God is always with us, feeding us when we’re weak, sheltering us when we’re weary, and speaking to us in the still, small voice that sustains our souls.

Here is a song I published on Biblical Hope:

https://suno.com/song/a47e4826-0666-4d4c-b204-de199156dfa4

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Questions for Reflection and Application:

1. Have you ever expected God to work in a “Mt. Carmel” way but found Him working quietly instead? How did that impact your faith?
2. Can you identify a “broom tree” moment in your life where God provided for you in a way you didn’t expect?
3. How can you listen for God’s still, small voice in the midst of your busy life?
4. What steps can you take to trust in God's long, quiet work, even when you feel discouraged or overwhelmed?

Hotel Frederic and Cowboy Pants

This is a fictional short story based on an actual letter dated April 29, 1947. See the picture included with this post.

Update: Hard to believe how viral this post has been, you never know what resonates with people. It also inspired a song that you can listen to here:

Letter to My Dad- Wish You Here

And below is the short story:

The small piece of stationery felt smooth in Jimmie’s hand, its edges slightly frayed from being folded and tucked into the back of the desk drawer. He’d seen the name at the top many times before: Hotel Frederic. Underneath, in carefully printed letters, it read European Plan on the left and Free Parking on the right. Between these details was the hotel’s proud emblem, a fancy symbol that seemed too formal for the place his dad often stayed. Jimmie never understood what "European Plan" meant, but he imagined it was something important—a touch of class for travelers like his dad.

(Note: European plan means "no meals")

And then there were the words at the very top of the page: THE HEART OF EVANGELINE COUNTRY. Those words carried a weight he couldn’t quite grasp. He’d heard people talk about Evangeline Country, a place tied to stories of long-lost lovers and a history that stretched back to Louisiana’s earliest settlers. The name was rooted in the poem by Longfellow, a tale of Acadian exiles and the enduring search for home. That was fitting, Jimmie thought, since his dad was always on the road, moving from one town to the next, like a man who couldn’t quite find his place.

From what dad told Jimmie, New Iberia was 130 miles west of New Orleans. Jimmy often looked at the setting sun and thought of his dad and hoped the sales had been good that day, while he and his mother stayed behind in the sticky heat of their small house, waiting.

The air was thick, and the first real heat of the season had settled over the streets of New Orleans  like a damp blanket. Jimmie pushed open the screen door to his house, hearing the familiar creak as it swung shut behind him. The house was quiet except for the occasional sound of coughing from his mother’s bedroom. He knew better than to bother her now. She’d been sick for months, and the sound of her strained breathing had become as much a part of his daily routine as the cicadas outside.

He stood in the dimly lit hallway, his fingers clutching the folded report card. The crease where he had been pressing and unpressing it was worn thin, almost ready to tear. He hadn’t wanted to come home with it. His teacher’s voice still echoed in his head: “This time, Jimmie, we need both your mother and father’s signatures.”

But his father wasn’t here. He was never here.

Jimmie glanced toward his mother’s door, but the soft cough from inside stopped him. He couldn’t disturb her, not now. He turned instead toward the small wooden desk in the corner of the room. Its drawers, once neatly organized by his father, were now stuffed with papers, pencils, and the bits and pieces of a life left behind. His dad had been gone for what felt like ages, traveling for work. A salesman, his mother always said, “up and down the highway from Lafayette to New Orleans, God knows where today.”

Jimmie pulled open the top drawer, his heart thudding in his chest. Maybe he could just sign it himself, scribble his father’s name—just this once. He would leave a note saying that his mother was too ill to sign. But as he rummaged through the clutter looking for a pencil, his hand brushed against something smooth, it was that blank stationary.

He could see the faint outline of someone else’s writing on the other side, maybe his father’s last letter. A pang of loneliness hit him like a wave, the kind that felt too big for a boy his age to carry. But instead of pushing it down, he reached for the pencil and began to write.

First he dated it, Apr. 29, and filled in 47 by the printed 19. He paused for a minute.... "I'm about to turn 10!"

Dear Dad, How are you feeling?

The words came easily, but they meant more than they said. Was his dad feeling the way he was? Was he lonely? Did he miss them? Did he miss Jimmie?

Jimmie stared at the page. The pencil hovered in his hand as he considered his next sentence. He started to write, It sure is hot here, but halfway through, he erased it, the lead smudging the paper. The weather didn’t matter. His dad wouldn’t care about the heat.

He pressed the pencil down again. When you see my grades, you’ll see they’re not so hot either. There. He let out a breath. There was no point in hiding it. The report card in his lap weighed heavy, like the heat pressing down on the town. His grades were bad, and his father would know soon enough. His mother was too sick to sign it alone. But that was Jimmie’s fault, not hers. He hadn’t been working hard enough. He wasn’t doing what it took to be the kind of son his father expected.

Jimmie sat back and stared at the page. His thoughts wandered to the last gift his dad had brought home—cowboy pants. Tough, denim ones like the cowboys wore in the movies. Jimmie didn’t know why, but those pants meant something special to him, though he couldn’t quite figure out why. Maybe it was because they were a gift. Maybe because they made him feel like he could be as strong as those men on the screen. He’d thanked his dad twice for them, but it hadn’t felt like enough.

Thank you very much for the cowboy pants.

He wrote the words again. They were the only part of the letter that felt right, even if he didn’t fully understand what he wanted to say. Jimmie stared at the empty spaces around the words. What else was there to say? He wanted to tell his dad about the track meet. That maybe if his dad came home to watch, Jimmie could prove himself. But what if he lost?

The track meet is on May 10th. I hope you can make it.
How is business? I hope it’s good.

His pencil paused, the words hanging there, suspended between what he wanted to say and what he couldn’t.

He simply ended it - Love, Jimmie. The eraser marks were messy, some of the words barely legible, but it was done. He folded the letter in half, leaving it without envelope, no address, unstamped. It didn’t matter. It was never meant to be sent.

Jimmie walked outside, the heavy humidity of the late afternoon hitting him as he stepped onto the porch. He headed down the path toward the rusty mailbox that stood at the end of their driveway. Its lid creaked as he lifted it, dropping the folded letter inside.

The letter didn’t need to go anywhere. It had already done its job.

As Jimmie turned back toward the house, something inside him stirred. His fists clenched, and suddenly he was running. His feet pounded against the dirt road, the air rushing past him, eroding the humidity that had felt so suffocating just moments before. His legs pumped harder and harder, his arms swinging wildly as if he could outrun the loneliness, the fear, the shame.

He ran with everything he had, as if the upcoming track meet wasn’t just a race—it was his chance. His fists pumped in such a frenzy that he felt better, much better. The fight to win ignited something in him, something small but bright. A flame of hope. Of healing.

And for the first time in a long while, Jimmie knew that maybe—just maybe—he could win this race.

These are the first steps to leaving boyhood..... the lifelong struggle against pain and building a life in the face of contrary winds.

(The actual letter taken from The Life Story of Jim Collier- sent to me by his son, Forrest)

https://www.thedailyiberian.com/opinion/columnists/old-hotel-frederic-was-a-grand-place-in-its-time/article_90bd3790-14a5-11e3-bd8a-001a4bcf887a.html

Psalm 2- Proverbs 2 and My Journey of Hope

Over the past few months, I've found myself wrestling with two looming shadows: the inevitability of decline and death (I'm much better here thanks to this study I have been in), and what appears to be the rise of an oppressive globalist regime that seems to be closing in on every side. These fears can be overwhelming, like a storm cloud that blots out the sun. The thought of losing my freedom, my voice, and my ability to live out my faith authentically—these fears can creep in and gnaw away at my sense of peace. They threaten to push me into a pit of despair, a place where it feels like the fight is already lost before it's even begun.

It could be some anxiety I have over the coming election and the strange soup of 'switching sides' happening where Elon Musk, Tulsi Gabbard, RFK Jr have decided to go all in for Trump and the Bush era Republicans have switched sides to Harris. I won't take time to discuss my evaluation of all of this but both "democrat" and "republican" are terms that no longer carry the meaning of even a decade ago. 

But again, the mistake we make in America is to hyper focus on our country and not see anything from a global perspective- this is where it is aligning and for some reason our elites love to follow Europe but not lead themselves. 

In the midst of this struggle, I recently learned that Billy Graham made a habit of reading one Psalm and one chapter of Proverbs every single day of his life. Inspired by his example, I've started doing the same. I'm only two days into this new regimen, but already I've felt a shift. It's amazing how quickly God's Word can penetrate the fears that threaten to dominate my thoughts. In conjunction with my recent study of Biblical hope, these readings have started to shape my perspective in a profound way.

As I've been studying hope as well, I've realized how crucial it is to anchor myself in something beyond the visible (and really invisible) threats around me. What jumped out about Proverbs 2 and Psalms 2 was finding in them a counter-narrative to the fears that can so easily dominate my mind. 

Proverbs 2 paints a picture of a God who stores up sound wisdom for the upright and is a shield to those who walk in integrity. It's a reminder that wisdom isn't just about having knowledge—it's about knowing where to place my trust. The world may twist and manipulate, but God's wisdom offers clarity and security. This wisdom shields me, not by making the threats disappear, but by equipping me to face them with a discerning heart and a clear mind.

Then there's Psalm 2. This psalm confronts the arrogance of earthly powers head-on. It opens with a scene of rebellious nations plotting against God, but God's response is striking: He laughs. He sees their schemes and knows their limitations. The psalm declares, "He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision." 

My favorite section was- Psalm 2:7–9

[7] I will tell of the decree:

The LORD said to me, “You are my Son;

today I have begotten you.

[8] Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,

and the ends of the earth your possession.

[9] You shall break them with a rod of iron

and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” (ESV)

This is where my hope finds its deepest anchor. No matter how oppressive the forces of this world may seem, they are ultimately subject to the sovereignty of God. This is an awesome promise-  that He will break the chains of oppression and protect His people. This isn't just a future hope; it's a present reality that I need to grasp tightly.

These truths are slowly reshaping how I respond to my fears. I've come to realize that despair is a thief. It doesn't just rob me of joy—it robs me of life itself. It tells me that the battle is already lost, that it's futile to hope, to stand, to believe. But hope in God changes everything. It's not a blind optimism that denies reality, but a steadfast confidence in who God is and what He has promised. It reminds me that I can live with joy and purpose right now, even when the storm clouds gather on the horizon.

I'm still growing in this area. The fears still try to rear their heads, especially when the world seems to edge closer to the scenarios that concern me the most. But Proverbs 2 and Psalms 2 have become touchstones for me, guiding me back to a place of trust. I'm learning that hope requires an active stance—it's a daily decision to look beyond what my eyes can see and trust in the God who holds all things in His hands. I want to continue growing in this wisdom, to cultivate a life where hope isn't just an abstract concept, but a living, breathing reality that guides how I live each day.

In the face of decline, in the face of threats to faith and freedom, I am choosing to trust in the God who laughs at the schemes of the world and shields those who walk in His wisdom. This is my hope, and it casts out the despair that seeks to overshadow it. And I even pray this over my children and grandchildren.

And I will need to take my Psalms/Proverbs vitamins tomorrow to strengthen me on the journey of hope!

Additional material:

The Bible offers a compelling argument against globalism through the stories and symbols found in Scripture. One of the most striking examples is the account of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11. In this story, humanity unites under a single language and government, driven by a desire to make a name for themselves and reach the heavens. This pursuit reflects an attitude of pride and self-glorification, directly opposing God's command to "fill the earth." Instead of scattering and multiplying across the world as God intended, the people sought to consolidate their power, elevating their desires above God's sovereignty.

God intervened in this act of defiance by confusing their language, causing them to scatter across the earth. This divine intervention shows that God opposes a centralized human government that defies His authority and places itself at the center of human aspirations. By scattering humanity, God limits the potential for concentrated power that could lead to collective rebellion against Him. This story illustrates that God's design for humanity involves a diversity of nations and cultures rather than a unified global government.

The symbolism of Babylon in the Book of Revelation further develops this theme. Babylon represents a corrupt and idolatrous world system that stands in opposition to God and His people. This global entity is marked by economic control, spiritual deception, and moral decay, seeking to dominate and lead humanity away from the true worship of God. The Bible describes how God will ultimately judge Babylon, bringing an end to its tyranny and deception. This judgment serves as a warning against placing trust in human institutions that seek to exalt themselves against God's rule. In contrast to the oppressive systems represented by Babylon, God's Kingdom is one of justice, righteousness, and truth.

In Acts 17:26, the Bible teaches that God "made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place." This passage suggests that the diversity of nations is part of God's intentional design. Distinct nations and boundaries serve to prevent the kind of totalitarian control that a one-world government could represent. Throughout history, concentrated power in the hands of a few has often led to oppression and corruption, a reality that aligns with the Biblical understanding of human sinfulness. As Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked." A global government, controlled by sinful humanity, could easily become a tool of tyranny, suppressing freedom, and opposing God's moral order.

While it is true that humanity is not meant to live in isolation—"it is not good for man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18)—this speaks more to the need for human relationships and community rather than the establishment of a global government. The Biblical narrative portrays God's design as one where diverse communities and nations flourish under His sovereignty, rather than uniting in defiance of His rule.

The Bible also points to the ultimate hope of God's Kingdom, where Christ will reign as the righteous King. Unlike human attempts at a one-world government, which often lead to oppression and rebellion against God, the Kingdom of God will unite people from every nation, tribe, and tongue in true justice and peace. This Kingdom will not be established through human efforts or political power, but through God's sovereign plan. It is a Kingdom marked not by the tyranny and deception of symbolic Babylon, but by the justice, righteousness, and freedom that come from God's own character.

In the end, the Biblical argument against globalism is not simply a matter of opposing the idea of global unity. Rather, it is a recognition that human attempts to establish a one-world system often result in the rejection of God's sovereignty, the suppression of truth, and the oppression of individuals. In contrast, God's design is for a diversity of nations that respect His authority and acknowledge the limitations of human power. The hope of the Christian faith lies not in a global government but in the coming Kingdom of God, where Christ will rule with perfect justice and peace.

David’s Deep Hope: A Journey Through Triumph and Failure

In our journey through the lives of Abraham and Moses, we have seen how Biblical hope manifests in moments of faith and divine deliverance. Now, we turn to David, a man whose life embodies a complex tapestry of hope woven through both triumph and tragedy. David’s hope in God was evident throughout his rise to kingship, his victories, his failures, and the painful consequences of his actions. His story offers a profound lesson on the nature of hope that endures even in the darkest valleys.

Hope in David's Rise to Kingship

David’s early life as a shepherd was foundational to his hope in God. Out in the fields, under the vastness of the sky, David learned to care for the vulnerable and face danger with courage. These years were more than mere preparation for leadership; they were a time of communion with God. He learned to trust in God's protection and provision while tending his flock, experiences that would later translate into his role as the shepherd of Israel.

This deep trust in God was strikingly evident in his confrontation with Goliath. Unlike the soldiers of Israel who cowered before the giant, David's perspective was shaped by his hope in God's power. He declared confidently, "You come at me with sword and spear and battle-ax. I come at you in the name of God-of-the-Angel-Armies, the God of Israel’s troops, whom you curse and mock" (1 Samuel 17:45, The Message). For David, the victory over Goliath was not a mere personal triumph but a public testament to God's deliverance.

David’s hope was further refined during his years of evading King Saul. Despite being anointed as the future king, he spent years as a fugitive. Hiding in caves and living on the run, David’s life was marked by uncertainty and danger. Yet, even in these dire circumstances, his psalms often reflected a resilient hope. In Psalm 91, David writes, "God, you're my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!... His huge outstretched arms protect you—under them you’re perfectly safe" (Psalm 91:2, The Message). These were not just words of comfort; they were the cries of a man who had learned to find his security in God alone.

Hope After David's Fall

David’s narrative takes a dark turn with his sin involving Bathsheba and the subsequent murder of her husband, Uriah. This moment marks a significant fall from grace and ushers in a period of profound personal and familial turmoil. Despite his sincere repentance and continued hope in God, the consequences of David's actions were severe and far-reaching.

The first consequence was the death of the child born to Bathsheba. Despite David's fervent prayers and fasting, the child died, leaving him to grapple with the immediate and devastating cost of his sin. This was just the beginning of a series of tragedies that would unfold within his family. His household was plagued with discord and violence—his son Amnon raped his half-sister Tamar, and David, in his compromised state, failed to address the injustice adequately. This led to Absalom’s revenge and the eventual murder of Amnon, followed by Absalom's rebellion against David. The public humiliation David endured as Absalom took his wives in a brazen act fulfilled Nathan's prophecy that David’s sin would bring open shame upon his household.

Yet, even in the midst of these dire consequences, David's hope in God did not wane. His life after the fall reflects a man who, though profoundly aware of his failures, continued to seek God’s mercy. Psalm 51, written immediately after his confrontation with Nathan, reveals David’s deep repentance and his plea for God’s grace: "Generous in love—God, give grace! Huge in mercy—wipe out my bad record... Soak me in your laundry and I'll come out clean, scrub me and I'll have a snow-white life" (Psalm 51:1, 7, The Message). In this raw and honest psalm, David’s hope is not in his ability to rectify his wrongs but in the steadfast love and mercy of God.

Even in his old age, when the full weight of his actions and their consequences bore down on him, David’s hope remained anchored in God's faithfulness. Psalm 71, often attributed to his later years, echoes with a resilient trust in God’s enduring care: "You’ve done it all! Who is quite like you? You, who made me stare trouble in the face, turn me around; now let me look life in the face" (Psalm 71:19-20, The Message). This is not the voice of a man defeated by his past but of one who, despite his brokenness, trusts in God’s redeeming power.

Beautiful New Applications of Biblical Hope

David’s story compels us to consider the nature of biblical hope. It is not a naive optimism that denies the reality of pain or the consequences of sin. Rather, it is a steadfast trust in the character of God—His mercy, sovereignty, and faithfulness. David’s hope was rooted in the unchanging truth of who God is. He hoped in God’s forgiveness, believing that genuine repentance would lead to restoration, even if the scars of his sin remained. His psalms express a man who, despite his world crumbling around him, clung to the hope that God’s love and purposes would not fail.

In this light, we see that biblical hope is not about the absence of trouble but the presence of God amidst it. David's hope was in a God who forgives, a God who redeems broken lives, and a God whose purposes prevail even in the midst of human failure. This hope is what made David a man after God’s own heart. Despite his grave sins, he never ceased to seek God’s face and rely on His mercy.

Reflecting on David’s journey, I see how deeply I need this kind of hope in my own life. Like David, I have moments of failure and seasons where the consequences of my actions weigh heavily on me. But David’s story assures me that hope is not extinguished by my imperfections. It is rooted in the character of God, who is merciful, forgiving, and faithful. I am reminded that my hope must be in God's grace, His ability to redeem and restore, and His promise to be my Good Shepherd, no matter the paths I walk.

David’s enduring hope, even after his greatest fall, speaks to my own need for a hope that is anchored in the assurance of God's forgiveness and unfailing care. It is a hope that carries me through the valleys, reminding me that, like David, I am held by a God who is both just and merciful, who chastens and yet heals, and who, despite my failures, calls me His own.

Lead the People to Hope

Throughout history, moments of great trial and adversity have called for leaders who embody hope and courage. Such leaders inspire others to stand firm and face the challenges before them. In both ancient and modern contexts, the power of hope has guided people through seemingly impossible circumstances. From the biblical story of Moses to the rousing speeches of military leaders and coaches, the theme of hope in the face of uncertainty emerges as a powerful source of strength and unity.

Moses: A Beacon of Hope in the Midst of Desperation

One of the most compelling examples of leadership and hope in biblical history is Moses. When the Israelites faced the Red Sea with the Egyptian army in pursuit, the situation seemed hopeless. Yet, in Exodus 14:13-14, Moses stood before his people and declared:

"Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."

In this moment, Moses exemplified a leader who placed his hope in God's deliverance. He inspired the Israelites to remain calm and trust in a power greater than themselves. This steadfast hope did not come from ignoring the danger or denying the fear—it came from a deep faith that God would act in His perfect time.

Moses’ journey to becoming this leader of hope was a long one. He was born into oppression in Egypt around 1526 BC, spent his early years in Pharaoh's palace, and then fled to Midian after killing an Egyptian taskmaster. It wasn't until he was 80 years old, at the burning bush, that God called him to lead Israel out of slavery. His life illustrates that hope and leadership are often developed over time, shaped by experiences of both failure and divine encounters.

Hope in Defiance: Parallels in History and Fiction

The resolve Moses showed is mirrored in various moments of history and culture. In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Aragorn's speech before the final battle at the Black Gate resonates with a similar call to courage:

"Hold your ground! Hold your ground my brothers,
I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me.
A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day.
An hour of wolves and shattered shields, when the age of men comes crashing down, but it is not this day!
This day we fight!!"

Like Moses, Aragorn acknowledges the fear and the possibility of defeat. However, he insists that today is not the day they will give in. This echoes Moses' declaration to the Israelites that their enemies would be defeated. Both leaders call for action in the face of fear, inspired by a hope that transcends the immediate peril.

Similarly, in the world of sports, coaches have often rallied their teams with speeches that embody this spirit of hope. Herb Brooks’ famous "Miracle on Ice" speech in 1980:

"Great moments are born from great opportunity. And that's what you have here tonight, boys. That's what you've earned here tonight. One game. If we played 'em ten times, they might win nine. But not this game. Not tonight."

This speech was about seizing the moment, not surrendering to the odds. It was about holding onto hope when facing a seemingly invincible opponent. Just as Moses encouraged the Israelites to be still and trust in God's power, Brooks urged his players to believe in their own potential to change the narrative.

Historical Defiance: A Stand for Hope

In the darkest hours of World War II, Winston Churchill delivered speeches that were filled with defiant hope. In his address to the British people on June 4, 1940, he proclaimed:

"We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender."

This unwavering resolve was a call to hope against the overwhelming might of Nazi Germany. Churchill, like Moses, faced a seemingly hopeless situation, yet he inspired his nation to believe in a future beyond the shadow of war.

Similarly, John F. Kennedy's inaugural address in 1961 spoke to a global audience with a message of hope and commitment:

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty."

These words conveyed a sense of determination that echoed the biblical concept of hope—a firm stance that does not waver even when the odds seem impossible.

The Substance of Hope: Paul's Testimony

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul speaks of hope amidst suffering. In 2 Corinthians 1:8-11, he writes:

"For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself... But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again."

Paul's words reflect the reality that biblical hope is not an absence of difficulty but a steadfast trust in God's deliverance. It's about finding strength and courage through faith, even when circumstances seem insurmountable.

The Nature of Hope, Courage, Faith, and Love

True leadership of hope demonstrates that:

• Courage is not the absence of fear; it is action in the face of fear.
• Faith is not without doubt; it is belief in the face of doubt.
• Hope is not without uncertainty; it is trust despite uncertainty.
• Love is not without sacrifice; it is devotion in the face of sacrifice.

People are inspired when they see leaders who embody these qualities—leaders who, like Moses, Aragorn, and historical figures, display a weightiness that transcends words and offers substance in a world often filled with shallow expressions.

Conclusion: The Call to Leadership of Hope

In a time when words can be fleeting and substance is often lacking, the examples of Moses, Aragorn, Churchill, and others show us the power of hope. Biblical hope is a firm stance that God will deliver in time, even when the odds seem impossible. This hope is not merely wishful thinking; it is grounded in a trust that God is faithful to His promises.

As leaders, we are called to embody this hope. We must provide a steady presence in times of fear and uncertainty, pointing others to a greater truth. It is in the shared experience of hope, faith, and love that we find the strength to persevere and lead others through the most challenging of times.

Revisiting Discipleship in Christian Education: A Comprehensive Approach

In the early 1980s, the concept of discipleship was a dominant theme within Christian circles. During this period, I embraced the Christian faith, encountering a vibrant movement that emphasized discipleship not merely as a personal spiritual pursuit but as a dynamic, relational process of growth and multiplication. Books like The Lost Art of Disciplemaking by LeRoy Eims and others circulated widely, propelling the idea that discipleship was the heart of the Christian mission. The ethos of the time encouraged believers to move beyond mere conversion, to become disciples who, in turn, would make other disciples. Small groups within churches were often referred to as "D-groups," and the model of exponential growth—where one disciple makes two, who then make four, and so on—was heralded as the biblical model for expanding God's kingdom.

However, this emphasis on discipleship gradually diminished in many circles. Despite its decline as a trend, the call to make disciples has never waned in Scripture. In Matthew 28:19-20, the Great Commission remains a timeless mandate: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations." It is crucial to revisit this biblical vision, especially in the context of Christian education, where the opportunity to shape young lives for Christ is both profound and strategic.

Discipleship in Biblical Perspective

Biblically, discipleship is a multi-faceted process that involves the following:

• Following Jesus: It begins with a commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly (Luke 9:23). A disciple is not just a learner but an apprentice, someone who observes, emulates, and participates in the life and mission of Christ.
• Cost and Transformation: Jesus made it clear that discipleship comes with a cost (Luke 14:26-33). It involves a radical transformation of one's life, values, and priorities.
• Multiplication: Discipleship is inherently multiplicative. Paul’s instruction to Timothy—“what you have heard from me... entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2)—outlines a generational process where disciples make disciples who make disciples.

Incorporating this biblical vision into a Christian school context requires intentional strategies that weave discipleship into the fabric of every aspect of school life.

Re-envisioning Discipleship in the Christian School Setting

1. Classroom Integration: Cultivating a Biblical Worldview

A Christian school’s primary task is to provide an education that is firmly rooted in a biblical worldview. Each classroom should serve as a fertile ground where students can explore God’s truth across all disciplines.

• Curricular Design: Every subject—from science to literature, mathematics to history—can be taught from a biblical perspective. For instance, science classes can explore the marvels of God's creation, highlighting His creativity and order. History lessons can examine the providence of God in human affairs. This approach helps students understand that all truth is God’s truth and that every academic pursuit points back to the Creator.
• Character Formation: Classroom instruction should go beyond academic knowledge to focus on character development. Integrating character education with biblical principles helps students embody virtues such as integrity, humility, perseverance, and love. Teachers can incorporate discussions on how biblical characters exhibited these traits in various situations, making the lessons relatable and applicable.
• Spiritual Mentoring: Teachers act as spiritual mentors, not just instructors. They can create an environment where students feel comfortable discussing spiritual matters, asking questions about faith, and seeking guidance. Structured times for spiritual reflection, prayer, and discussion can be built into the classroom schedule, fostering a culture where spiritual growth is a natural outcome of daily learning.

2. Extracurricular Activities: Beyond the Classroom Walls

Discipleship extends beyond academic instruction into the realms of sports, arts, and other extracurricular activities. These settings provide practical contexts for students to live out their faith.

• Sports as a Discipleship Tool: Athletics can be an incredible platform for discipleship. Coaches should view their role not merely as developing athletes but as shaping disciples. Pre-practice devotions, prayer before and after games, and discussions on sportsmanship provide opportunities to teach biblical principles like teamwork, perseverance, humility, and honoring God in all endeavors. Coaches can share personal testimonies of how faith influences their approach to competition, using sports as a metaphor for the Christian life.
• Clubs and Interest Groups: Establish faith-centered clubs where students can explore specific aspects of their faith more deeply. This could include Bible study groups, apologetics clubs, or mission-oriented groups. These clubs offer students the chance to take ownership of their spiritual growth, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
• Retreats and Service Projects: Organize annual spiritual retreats and regular service projects. Retreats provide a concentrated time for students to disconnect from daily distractions and focus on their relationship with God. Service projects, whether local community outreach or global mission trips, offer practical ways for students to put their faith into action. They learn the value of serving others and the joy of being the hands and feet of Christ.

3. Fostering a School-Wide Culture of Discipleship

Creating a school culture that prioritizes discipleship involves modeling, mentoring, and a commitment to spiritual growth across the entire school community.

• Modeling by Staff and Faculty: Teachers, administrators, and staff must model discipleship in their daily interactions. Their lives should be visible testimonies of what it means to follow Christ. Professional development for staff should include training on spiritual mentoring and effective discipleship practices. When students see their educators living out their faith authentically, it provides a powerful example to emulate.
• Chapel Services and Worship: Regular chapel services should be central to the school’s discipleship strategy. These gatherings are not just routine; they are opportunities for collective worship, teaching, and spiritual challenge. Chapel messages can focus on themes such as faithfulness, courage, service, and the call to make disciples. Incorporating student-led worship and testimonies can engage students more personally in the worship experience.
• Parental Partnership: A holistic discipleship approach involves partnering with parents. Provide resources and workshops to equip parents to disciple their children at home. Encourage open communication between school and home to reinforce the values and lessons taught at school, ensuring that students receive consistent discipleship guidance.

4. Structured Discipleship Pathways: Intentional and Progressive

To move students from conversion to discipleship and eventually to disciple-makers, a Christian school must establish a structured process that guides students through progressive stages of spiritual development.

• Discipleship Curriculum: Implement a comprehensive discipleship curriculum that covers the basics of the Christian faith, spiritual disciplines, apologetics, and leadership training. This curriculum should be age-appropriate, with foundational teachings for younger students and more in-depth explorations of theology, ministry, and leadership for older students. Incorporating small group discussions, reflective journaling, and practical assignments helps solidify learning and application.
• Peer Mentoring and Leadership: Develop a peer mentoring program where older students are trained to disciple younger ones. This not only provides younger students with role models but also gives older students practical experience in leadership and discipleship. Equip these student leaders through regular training and support, helping them grow in confidence and effectiveness as disciple-makers.
• Spiritual Milestones: Recognize and celebrate spiritual milestones in students' lives. This could include public declarations of faith, baptism, completion of a discipleship course, or involvement in mission work. Marking these milestones provides tangible markers of spiritual growth and encourages students to continue progressing in their faith journey.

5. Encouraging Multiplication: Disciples Who Make Disciples

The ultimate goal of discipleship is multiplication. A Christian school should encourage students to see themselves not just as recipients of discipleship but as active participants in God's mission to make disciples of all nations.

• Empowering Students: Empower students to take ownership of their faith by involving them in ministry opportunities. This could include leading chapel services, organizing outreach events, or starting Bible studies. Encourage them to share their faith with peers, both within and outside the school community.
• Global and Local Mission Mindset: Foster a mindset that discipleship extends beyond the school’s walls. Encourage students to engage in local and global missions, understanding that they are part of a larger mission to reach the world with the gospel. Whether it's through short-term mission trips, community service, or evangelism efforts, students should be challenged to think about how they can be disciple-makers in every context of their lives.

Conclusion: Building a Legacy of Discipleship

Integrating discipleship into a Christian school is about more than implementing programs or adding spiritual activities. It's about creating a holistic environment where every aspect of school life—academic, extracurricular, relational—is intentionally designed to foster spiritual growth. By doing so, the school not only educates students academically but also equips them to become mature, Christ-like individuals who are committed to making disciples in their future families, churches, workplaces, and communities.

In revisiting discipleship, we return to the heart of the Great Commission. A Christian school that adopts this model not only impacts the lives of its students but also contributes to the broader mission of God's kingdom, raising up generations of disciples who will go out and make disciples, to the glory of God.

Leadership in Biblical Hope: Moses and Hope in God's Deliverance

As I reflect on Moses standing on the shores of the Red Sea, I can almost picture the scene: a desperate people, trapped between the Egyptian army and an impassable sea. It’s easy to imagine Moses as this towering figure of confidence, fully trusting in what God was about to do. But the truth is, Moses’ leadership in hope didn’t come in an instant. It was shaped over decades—40 years as a prince of Egypt, followed by 40 years in the wilderness, tending sheep and wrestling with his own sense of failure and purpose.

Moses had seen suffering firsthand, both in his people and in his own life. I wonder how often he questioned God’s timing and plan. But through those long years, God was preparing him to trust in a deeper way—a trust that wasn’t based on his own strength or understanding but on God’s faithfulness.

By the time Moses stood before the Red Sea with the Egyptian army closing in, he had learned one of the most important lessons of leadership: hope in God’s deliverance isn’t about seeing the solution ahead of time; it’s about trusting in God’s promise, even when the way forward looks impossible.

In Exodus 14:13-14, I find some of the most powerful words Moses ever spoke:
"Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."

I can feel the weight of those words. Moses wasn’t free from fear, but he had learned to place his trust in God’s power. He led the people to hold onto hope—not because their situation made any sense, but because he had seen God’s faithfulness before, and he believed they would see it again. God’s deliverance came, just in time, parting the Red Sea and leading His people through to safety.

As I consider Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 1:8-11, I see a similar kind of hope in the midst of fear and despair. Paul talks about being under such pressure that he despaired of life itself. He thought it was the end. Yet, in that darkness, Paul discovered something profound:

 For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. [9] Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. [10] He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. [11] You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. (2 Corinthians 1:8–11 ESV)

It makes me think of those times when it feels like every door is closed, like the path ahead is blocked. Paul faced that kind of opposition throughout his ministry, as we see in the book of Acts. Yet, through it all, his hope wasn’t diminished. Instead, it grew stronger, because it was rooted not in his own ability to escape, but in God’s power to deliver.

When I look back at history, I see these kinds of leaders, the ones who inspire hope even when everything looks hopeless. Dunkirk is a powerful example of this. When the Allied forces were trapped, with no apparent way out, it was leadership that rallied them to hold on, to take action, and to trust that rescue was possible. What seemed like an impossible situation became one of the greatest rescues in history—an act of deliverance at just the right time.

This is what I take from Moses, from Paul, and from stories like Dunkirk: true leadership in hope isn’t about denying the reality of fear and danger. It’s about standing firm in the face of those challenges, trusting that God’s deliverance will come, even if it seems impossible at the moment.

Courage is not the absence of fear; it is action in the face of fear.
Faith is not without doubt; it is belief in the face of doubt.
Hope is not without uncertainty; it is trust despite uncertainty.
And love is not without sacrifice; it is devotion in the face of sacrifice.

These words resonate deeply with me because I see them reflected in the lives of those who have trusted God through overwhelming circumstances. Moses led a people to freedom, Paul found hope in the midst of despair, and I’m reminded that in our own lives, when we stand firm in faith, we, too, can witness God’s deliverance—just in time.

Escape from Pandemonium- A Sleepless Existence

Note: , I turned this post into a song.

You can listen to it here:

Escape from Pandemonium

On my kindle, I am re-reading sections Paradise Lost at 1:30 AM to help me sleep. It isn't working. But the poetry is amazing!

I once had a friend that said, "If you are having trouble sleeping, open your Bible and the devil will shut your eyes" .... all it does is get me stirring, I long for my brain to turn off at night but the older I get the less that happens.

Sometimes my spiritual insomnia is just a heart cry:

 "Arise, cry out in the night, as the watches of the night begin; pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord. Lift up your hands to him for the lives of your children, " Lamentations 2:19

But here I am, getting too much blue light late at night and reading Milton.

Paradise Lost is his epic poem that explores the cosmic conflict between good and evil, the Fall of Man, and the consequences of disobedience. 

I once heard that Milton was upset that readers were drawn to his portrayal of Satan in the poem Paradise Lost. While this isn’t directly confirmed, it’s widely discussed because Satan is depicted as a complex and charismatic character, leading some to view him as the tragic hero of the story. Writers like William Blake and Percy Bysshe Shelley even suggested that Milton unintentionally sympathized with Satan due to how vividly he depicted him.

Though Milton, a devout Puritan, likely intended Satan to be the villain, his poetic skill made Satan an intriguing figure. This reaction might have troubled Milton, but it also shows how effectively he gave depth to even his most evil character. Ultimately, Satan’s temporary allure in the poem serves to underscore the destructive nature of sin and the triumph of God’s justice in the end.

PANDEMONIUM

Among its many vivid and memorable scenes is the description of Pandemonium, the capital of Hell. Milton not only creates a place of infernal grandeur but also coins a new term, "Pandemonium," which has since entered the English lexicon to describe chaos and disorder. The origin of this term reflects Milton’s genius for blending classical influences with Christian theology, inventing language that captures the epic scale of his narrative.

The word combines the Greek root "pan-" meaning "all" or "every," and "daemon," which means "demon" or "evil spirit." Thus, "Pandemonium" literally means "all demons" or "assembly of demons," and has come to signify any place or situation of wild disorder and confusion.

Pandemonium appears prominently in Book I of Paradise Lost. After Satan and his fellow fallen angels are cast into Hell, Satan rallies his troops and leads them to build a grand palace, which becomes the center of their new kingdom. Milton describes the construction of Pandemonium with a mix of awe and horror, emphasizing its vastness and the demonic energy that brings it into being. This palace is the infernal counterpart to Heaven’s courts, and Milton's depiction draws on architectural imagery reminiscent of classical epics and Renaissance art.

One of the most famous passages describing Pandemonium reads: "Anon out of the earth a fabric huge / Rose like an exhalation, with the sound / Of dulcet symphonies and voices sweet, / Built like a temple, where pilasters round / Were set, and Doric pillars overlaid / With golden architrave; nor did there want / Cornice or frieze, with bossy sculptures graven." (Book I, lines 710-716)

Milton contrasts the beauty and harmony of Pandemonium’s architecture with the evil that it represents. The palace is both magnificent and grotesque, symbolizing the seductive allure of sin and rebellion. The grandeur of Pandemonium is undercut by the reality of its purpose: it is a place of darkness, deceit, and rebellion against God. 

Another notable passage comes when Satan surveys his kingdom and convenes his council: "A solemn council forthwith to be held / At Pandemonium, the high capital / Of Satan and his peers: their summons called / From every band and squared regiment / By place or choice the worthiest; they anon / With hundreds and with thousands trooping came / Attended: all access was thronged, the gates / And porches wide, but chief the spacious hall / (Though like a covered field, where champions bold / Wont ride in armed, and at the Soldan’s chair / Defied the best of Paynim chivalry / To mortal combat or career with lance), / Thick swarmed, both on the ground and in the air, / Brushed with the hiss of rustling wings." (Book I, lines 752-765)

The chaotic energy of Hell’s inhabitants and the demonic grandeur of their new capital underscore the disorder and confusion that Pandemonium represents. The chaotic gathering of demons mirrors the turmoil of Hell itself, reinforcing Milton's larger theme of the destructiveness of rebellion against divine order.

The term "Pandemonium" has evolved far beyond its original context in Paradise Lost. 

Today, it is commonly used to describe situations of wild chaos, disorder, or uproar. This reflects the inherent meaning of the word as Milton intended it: a place of tumult and rebellion, a kingdom of chaos ruled by Satan and his demons. 

I think I first heard the term at a wrestling match in the old Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham in the 1970's- Tojo Yamamoto hit his opponent with a chair and "PANDEMONIUM" broke out according to the exuberant announcer!

The concept of Pandemonium can also be applied to political scenarios where disorder and confusion reign, often due to power struggles, rebellion, or corruption. 

It resonates in everyday life, describing anything from the chaotic atmosphere of a busy marketplace to the frantic rush of commuters during rush hour. Additionally, it can be used metaphorically to describe internal chaos—moments of intense mental or emotional turmoil. 

Anxiety (and insomnia) is ultimately a seat near the palace of Satan.

What part of Pandemonium is dominating me right now?

DARK LIGHT

Milton also uses the concept of "darkness visible" or "dark light" as a way to describe the unique and paradoxical nature of Hell. This imagery reflects the inversion of divine light and the corrupted, fallen state of Satan and his followers. "Dark light" serves as a metaphor for the perversion of heavenly truth and goodness, highlighting the spiritual and moral blindness of the demonic realm.

The phrase "darkness visible" appears in Book I when Milton describes Hell after Satan and his followers are cast out of Heaven:

"No light, but rather darkness visible / Served only to discover sights of woe, / Regions of sorrow, doleful shades, where peace / And rest can never dwell, hope never comes / That comes to all; but torture without end." (Book I, lines 62-66)

Milton paints Hell as a place where darkness paradoxically reveals the horrors within, a realm where there is no true light, only an oppressive, shadowy presence that allows the damned to see the misery around them. This "dark light" is not the absence of light, but a twisted version of it—a light that only serves to illuminate suffering and despair.

I wrote about this in length in a previous post: 2018 Spiritual Light and Darkness

This concept reflects the broader theme in Paradise Lost of Satan’s inversion of everything good and holy.

 While divine light represents God’s truth, wisdom, and goodness, the light in Hell is a corrupted version, symbolizing the fall from grace and the perversion of divine order. Milton’s depiction of "dark light" emphasizes that Hell is not just a place of physical torment but a spiritual condition—a state of existence cut off from God’s presence, where light no longer signifies hope or life but instead magnifies the darkness of separation from divine grace.

In the broader context of the poem, this imagery contributes to the portrayal of Satan as a figure who once basked in the true light of Heaven but now exists in a perverse and distorted reality. The light of Hell, like Satan’s once-glorious nature, has become twisted and corrupted, serving as a constant reminder of the fallen angels’ loss of heavenly splendor.

Ultimately, Pandemonium is more than just a place; it is a state of being—a symbol of the consequences of rejecting divine order and truth. However, the Bible provides a contrast to the darkness and confusion that Pandemonium represents. 

In Colossians 1:13, it is written, “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.” Through Christ, believers are delivered from the chaos of sin and rebellion and brought into the Kingdom of Light, a place of order, peace, and redemption.

I just want to get some sleep......

other amazing lines in the poem:

When Satan first wakes up after being cast down: This passage captures Satan’s realization of his fall after he wakes up in Hell. He recognizes the shift from the glory of Heaven to the horrors of the infernal pit:

“Is this the region, this the soil, the clime, / Said then the lost Archangel, this the seat / That we must change for Heaven, this mournful gloom / For that celestial light? Be it so, since he / Who now is sovereign can dispose and bid / What shall be right: farthest from him is best, / Whom reason hath equaled, force hath made supreme / Above his equals. Farewell happy fields, / Where joy forever dwells: hail horrors, hail / Infernal world, and thou profoundest Hell / Receive thy new possessor; one who brings / A mind not to be changed by place or time. / The mind is its own place, and in itself / Can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven.” (Book I, lines 242-255)

When Satan sees Man for the first time: This is from Book IV, when Satan first sees Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. His reaction is a mix of envy, bitterness, and inner torment as he witnesses their innocence and happiness:

“Aside the Devil turned / For envy, yet with jealous leer malign / Eyed them askance, and to himself thus plained: / ‘Sight hateful, sight tormenting! Thus these two / Imparadised in one another’s arms / The happier Eden, shall enjoy their fill / Of bliss on bliss, while I to Hell am thrust, / Where neither joy nor love, but fierce desire, / Amongst our other torments not the least, / Still unfulfilled with pain of longing pines.’” (Book IV, lines 502-511)

“Him thus intent Ithuriel with his spear / Touched lightly; for no falsehood can endure / Touch of celestial temper, but returns / To its own likeness, and a heaven-born face / Unveils its true nature. As when the night / Has dimmed the sky and obscured the stars, / A sudden light breaks through the clouds, and the sun / Reveals a brighter day than that before, / So when the angel touched the spirit of man, / He felt its true nature. A kind of joy / From the sight of these innocent beings arose, / And he knew he was a lost and fallen soul.” (Book IV, lines 497-509)

In this passage, Satan’s initial reaction is one of awe and wonder at the beauty and perfection of humanity, which contrasts sharply with his own fallen state. However, his admiration quickly turns to envy and hatred as he reflects on his own suffering and loss:

“So much the more / His hate, and the more to hate the more / His hate. Envy and pride, those twin-born foes, / The new-born ones, the powerful hands of heaven, / Moved him to wrath; and wrath, revenge, and spite / The measureless excess of his revenge, / And unapproachable of hope, thus spake: / ‘O hated, yoke of heaven, eternal, born / Of one who sits above the Heavens’ height, / And more to be despised, more to be cursed / The false exultation of their bliss, / My eyes will never see again. In shame / They shall suffer, in anguish and in sorrow / Forevermore, and I shall evermore / Be grieved and furious at my own expense.’” (Book IV, lines 511-522)

Satan’s famous rally of the troops to rebel: After gathering the fallen angels, Satan gives a rousing speech to incite them to continue their rebellion against God, emphasizing their power and determination despite their fall:

“What though the field be lost? / All is not lost—the unconquerable will, / And study of revenge, immortal hate, / And courage never to submit or yield: / And what is else not to be overcome? / That Glory never shall his wrath or might / Extort from me. To bow and sue for grace / With suppliant knee, and deify his power, / Who from the terror of this arm so late / Doubted his empire—that were low indeed, / That were an ignominy and shame beneath / This downfall; since by fate the strength of gods, / And this empyreal substance, cannot fail; / Since through experience of this great event / In arms not worse, in foresight much advanced, / We may with more successful hope resolve / To wage by force or guile eternal war / Irreconcilable to our grand foe, / Who now triumphs, and in the excess of joy / Sole reigning holds the tyranny of Heaven.’” (Book I, lines 105-124)

Note: This post was aided by the use of Chat GPT for edits, but the thoughts are my own- I organized and developed the content of this post along with the examples and applications. This is true of any writing where I use chat-GPT to research and edit.

Movie Review: The Red Sea Diving Resort and Biblical Hope

I recently watched The Red Sea Diving Resort, a film that tells the story of a daring mission to rescue Ethiopian Jewish refugees in the 1980s. The movie dramatizes the real-life Operation Moses, where Israeli Mossad agents set up a fake diving resort on the Sudanese coast to secretly evacuate thousands of Ethiopian Jews facing persecution and hardship. While the film takes some creative liberties, the heart of the story is powerful: it’s a story of hope, perseverance, and deliverance in the face of overwhelming odds.

Watching the movie, I couldn’t help but think of another dramatic deliverance involving the Red Sea—this time, not from the 20th century but from the pages of the Bible. The Exodus story is one of the most well-known narratives of hope in God’s deliverance. Trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s advancing army, the Israelites seemed doomed. In that moment of fear and despair, Moses delivered a message that has resonated through the ages: "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today" (Exodus 14:13-14). This short verse has amazing power!

Can't you see Moses standing there with the dust clouds of the Egyptian army approaching and he so boldly hearkens his people to see God work. "Watch This Y'all"

The parallels between these two Red Sea stories are striking. Both involve people who faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles, yet held onto hope. In both cases, God made a way where there seemed to be no way. This kind of hope is not just optimism or wishful thinking; it’s a confident expectation rooted in the promises of God. The hope that Moses called the Israelites to was anchored in their trust that God would intervene and deliver them. It wasn’t based on their own strength or ability to escape, but on the unshakeable belief that God would fulfill His word.

Biblical hope often requires standing firm in the face of adversity. Throughout Scripture, we see this theme repeated: God delivers those who trust in Him. Whether it’s David standing before Goliath, Daniel in the lion’s den, or Paul imprisoned for preaching the gospel, the message is clear—hope in God is never misplaced. It transcends our circumstances because it’s based on who God is, not on what we can see with our eyes.

Paul captures this beautifully in Romans 15:4: "For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." 

The Exodus story, like so many other stories of God’s deliverance, is meant to remind us that God is faithful. Just as He parted the waters for the Israelites, God remains a strong deliverer for those who trust in Him today.

As I reflect on these two stories—I’m reminded that God’s power to save is timeless. From the shores of the Red Sea to the deserts of Sudan, God has always been at work delivering His people. Whether we’re facing a life-threatening crisis or simply struggling to find our way through a difficult situation, we are called to stand firm in the hope that God will make a way.

Isaiah 43:2 offers a beautiful reassurance: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you." 

Our hope is in the God who delivers—yesterday, today, and forever. The same God who parted the Red Sea for Moses and guided the Ethiopian Jews to safety is the God who walks with us through whatever waters we face in our own lives.

Reflecting on these stories, I find myself asking: Where do I need to stand firm today? In what areas of my life do I need to hold onto the hope of God’s deliverance? These stories can inspire all of us to trust in God’s ability to bring us through whatever challenges we face, no matter how daunting they may seem.

Where do you need to see Him today? Stand firm and watch Him work!

Abrahamic Hope and God's Calling – East Back to West

Abraham’s journey began in the East, in Ur of the Chaldeans, and God called him to go westward into a land that was foreign and unknown. His story represents a profound paradigm for all believers—a journey from the known to the unknown, driven by the hope in God’s promises. In Genesis 12, we see the beginning of this call, and in Romans 4, the Apostle Paul reflects on Abraham’s unwavering faith, which was “credited to him as righteousness.” This east-to-west journey is more than just physical; it’s spiritual, emotional, and filled with the struggle of sanctification. It is a movement from darkness to light, from fear to faith, and from despair to hope.

The Call of Abraham (Genesis 12)

Genesis 12 begins with God’s direct call to Abram: “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you” (Genesis 12:1, NIV). The sheer magnitude of this command cannot be overstated. At 75 years old, Abram was asked to leave everything he knew behind. Imagine the courage it took to uproot his life and move westward with only the hope that God would fulfill His promise of making him into a great nation.

This call mirrors the call we all experience in our lives. God often asks us to leave behind the familiar and step into the unknown, with nothing but the promise of His guidance and provision. But just like Abraham, we wrestle with doubt and uncertainty. The challenge of faith is trusting in what we cannot see—believing that the God who calls us will also equip and sustain us.

Biblical Hope: Hebrew and Greek Insights

In the Hebrew Scriptures, the primary word for hope is tiqvah (תִּקְוָה), which appears 34 times and is often translated as "expectation" or "hope." The root word conveys the idea of waiting or looking forward with confident expectation. This is the kind of hope that anchored Abraham’s journey—a forward-looking confidence in God’s promises.

In the New Testament, the Greek word elpis (ἐλπίς) is used 54 times, carrying a similar meaning of confident expectation and trust in God’s future deliverance. Romans 4:18 describes Abraham as having hope even when there was no earthly reason for it: “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed…” This hope wasn't based on circumstances but on the unchanging nature of God.

The Problem of Time

One of the most significant challenges to our hope is the problem of time. God’s revelations to Abraham were not daily occurrences. After the initial call in Genesis 12, years passed before God reaffirmed His covenant in Genesis 15. Another 13 years went by between the birth of Ishmael and God’s next appearance in Genesis 17. Abraham’s life reminds us that God doesn’t always speak or act on our timeline. These long periods of silence test the endurance of our hope.

Waiting on God’s promises often feels like an eternity. The problem of time is that it challenges our patience and tempts us to take matters into our own hands, as Abraham did with Hagar. Yet, despite these setbacks, God’s faithfulness never wavered. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 4:20-21 that Abraham “did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God.”

The Struggle of Sanctification

The journey from east to west is not a straight path, and neither is the process of sanctification. Abraham’s life was marked by struggles and setbacks. His faith faltered at times, as evidenced by his deception in Egypt and his decision to have a child with Hagar. Yet, through it all, God remained faithful.

Sanctification is the lifelong process of becoming more like Christ. It is filled with moments of victory and defeat, joy and sorrow. Abraham’s story reminds us that the struggle of sanctification is real, but it is also part of God’s plan for shaping us into His image. We stumble, we fall, but God’s grace picks us up and sets us back on the path of righteousness.

 Returning to Hope

It is never too late to return to the faith of our youth, and taking God at His word should keep our hope vibrant into our future, no matter the age or circumstances we experience. Abraham’s journey westward was a journey of hope—hope that God’s promises were true, hope that the barren would give birth, hope that the unknown would become home. Today, we are called to walk in that same hope. The problem of time may test us, but God’s faithfulness is unwavering, and His promises remain sure.