Dear Church of the Open Bible,
At the end of the month, I turn forty-one years old. I don’t have a problem with people knowing my age. In fact, when I was working with youth in my twenties, many of them then guessed my age to be forty-something. So perhaps I’m finally looking my age, though at times still not acting it. But one of the aspects I’m becoming more acquainted with as I get older is the incredible sorrow of life in this fallen world. Just a week ago, we grieved the loss of Bill Rosenkranz, a pastor and friend. A few days later, a cousin of mine passed away from cancer. In moments like these, it is hard for me to imagine the increasing loss and sorrow of the years to come. But then this realization collides with the truth we celebrate at Easter and all year round.
According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading… - 1 Peter 1:3-4
This is one of the beautiful results of the gospel, that as the sorrow of death increases around us, it only fuels the living hope we have within us. Because Jesus rose from the dead, one day we too will receive an eternal inheritance. My prayer is that as my age increases so too will my anticipation of the living hope I have through Christ. Do you know that living hope today? Have you praised Him for His great mercy today?