Better Hope

Tomorrow's Sunday School lesson is about the wise menwho traveled a lo-o-o-ng way to find Jesus, and did not stop seeking till they found Him and worshipped Him Today's poem is inspired in part by pondering this accountand partly by today's devotion from esp. v.18,1918 For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandmentbecause of its weakness and unprofitableness,19 for the law made nothing []perfect;on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.&2525 Therefore He is also able to save []to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Thank-you Jesus, for the Better Hopewhich crowns common task/toil with holy purpose!May we all seek to be 'wise men' seeking tofind and follow Jesus! The 'Christmas' Story brings us to the 'Easter' story;God's timeless and season-less love story!!! He saves them to the uttermost who come to Him in truthAnd through the Better Hope He wrought love needs no further proofHis consolation is a refuge to which all may fleeTherein the soul is anchored through the truth/hope that sets us free Praise Jesus for the Better Hope that faith’s persuasion bringsAnd worship He who gave Himself to bring us better thingsThrough the gift of salvation, each who repents and believesInherits the fulfillment of the promise faith receives Thus we, heirs of the full assurance of His promisesAre shod with the gospel of peace and called to holinessTo endure patiently the service of Self sacrificedNot slothful but prepared to suffer for the sake of Christ Praise Jesus for the Better Hope this world can never boastHis cross-shaped promise crowns all He saves to the uttermostAnd fills us with His purpose until we are called awayHe bids us not grow weary in well-doing till that day If it were not for Better Hope how mean would seem earth’s strifeIf not for God’s goodness and mercy each day of our lifeWe surely would fall prey to he who seeks to compromiseFaith, with appealing subtlety of worship-stealing lies God, make us like the wise men from the east who traveled farTo find the Child and did not cease from following the StarThe Star that did not disappoint or lead astray, or dimThe Star that shines with Better Hope for all who hope in Him Janet Martin