Hilltop is going to use this February, this “Black History Month,”
to look at the theological and biblical understanding of hope. Black music will help us frame this
discussion.
Hope is: “To trust in, wait
for, look for, or desire something or someone; or to expect something
beneficial in the future.”
In the Hebrew Bible, there are several verbs that may in certain contexts be translated
"to hope" in English. Jeremiah
uses one to teach that the Lord is the hope of Israel which means that Israel's
God is worthy of trust. Another noun from the same root is often also
translated "hope" meaning "trust." Similarly, a different
Hebrew verb is drawn from a different word meaning "to trust.”
Biblical hope is more than wishful, happy, what is sometimes
called “Pollyanna,” thinking.
Biblical hope includes the idea of trust, it includes the idea of expectation.
In the Bible believers are encouraged to wait for God hopefully
and expectantly. In times of trouble one should wait for the Lord, who will
turn things around. Sometimes
expressions of hope are accompanied by the prayer that the supplicant will not
be ashamed, that is, disappointed. God
promises that those who wait for him will not be disappointed. God is able to bring about the realization of
one's hopes.
Hope has a sanctifying effect. We who look expectantly for the
return of Christ, knowing that when we see him we shall become like him, purify
ourselves "as he is pure" (1 John 3:3 ). Hope
also stimulates good works. Following his teaching on resurrection of the dead,
Paul exhorts his readers to do the Lord's work abundantly since such
"labor is not in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:51-58 ).
Hope is at the center of the black musical experience. The words often convey a confidence, expectation,
and hopefulness that the current trials and tribulations are not
permanent.
I personally find the confidence the black community has in the
biblical concept of hope to be encouraging and inspiring. A people who by much of the visible and
historical witness had reasons to be hopeless, have been ever hopeful. Hope can be inspiring. Hope can be contagious. I pray that in February, we can draw in the
breath of God and catch the virus of hope.
Selah, Pastor Dennis
