Biblical Hope Defined: A CONFIDENT EXPECTATION and desire for something good in the future. Biblical hope it expects it to happen; it is confident that it will happen.
HOPE BECAUSE GOD KNOWS HOW TO HOLD US UP
Luke 2:21-40 (HCSB) 21 When the eight days were completed for His circumcision, He was named Jesus the name given by the angel before He was conceived. 22 And when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were finished, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (just as it is written in the law of the Lord: Every firstborn male will be dedicated to the Lord) 24 and to offer a sacrifice (according to what is stated in the law of the Lord: a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons).
Luke 2:21-40 (HCSB) There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord s Messiah. 27 Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple complex. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for Him what was customary under the law, 28 Simeon took Him up in his arms, praised God, and said: 29 Now, Master, You can dismiss Your slave in peace, as You promised. 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation. 31 You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Your people Israel.
Luke 2:21-40 (HCSB) 33 His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told His mother Mary: Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Luke 2:21-40 (HCSB) 36 There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and was a widow for 84 years. She did not leave the temple complex, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers. 38 At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about Him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. 39 When they had completed everything according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. 40 The boy grew up and became strong, filled with wisdom, and God s grace was on Him.
There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel s consolation There was also a prophetess, Anna she came up and began to thank God and to speak about Him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
o Looking Forward is from the Greek word meaning: to look eagerly, hopefully, expectantly, longingly. To be to His appearance and ready to welcome Him. ALERT
1) Simeon was waiting for COMFORT & ENCOURAGEMENT Consolation = the comfort received by a person after a loss or disappointment.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NASB)
Even though I go through the darkest valley, I will fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me. Psalm 23:6 (HCSB)
2) Anna was waiting for FORGIVENESS & SALVATION Redemption = to be set free from bondage & captivity, i.e. sin and the guilt caused
We have redemption in Him through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace Ephesians 1:7 (HCSB)
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (HCSB)
Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out, that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord Acts 3:19 (HCSB)
Then Jesus spoke to them again: I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life. John 8:12 (HCSB)