I’m Coming Home

‘…hope does not disappoint’ (Romans 5:5 NKJV)

Being an England football supporter is a painful business. So often the England team only ‘flatters to deceive’. In the 1970 World Cup England were knocked out by West Germany after leading 2-0 and seemingly cruising to victory. In 1986 England were knocked out by Maradona’s infamous ‘hand of God’. In 1990 and the1996 European Championship England were beaten in the semi-final by Germany on penalties. The 2018 World Cup was no different. Some good performances and results led the country to believe that football is ‘coming home’ only to have our hope taken away again by another semi-final defeat. Thirty years of hurt has turned into over 50 years of pain for the wearied England fan. Our hopes are always being raised and then before you know it they are dashed.

That’s why I’m glad that the Apostle Paul tells us that we have a hope that does not disappoint, that will never let us down, never flatters to deceive and won’t be dashed. He outlines the glorious hope of eternal life (v.21) that is secured for us in Jesus Christ (v.1) and confirmed in us by the Holy Spirit (v.5). The good news is that because of what Jesus has done for me I have been reconciled with God (v.10), am now at peace with him (v.1), and I am coming home.

But this hope is not for me alone; all of humanity is included in Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and ascension (vv.18-19). All can come home because of Jesus. There will be no more years of hurt (cf. Revelation 21:4); our victory has already been won. Now that’s something worth celebrating.

Have a hopeful week.

Pastor Barry