What’s Your Greatest Hope?

1 Peter 1:13 says,

“…set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ.” 

Years ago I was at a global missions conference focused on the return of Jesus Christ. At the conference, we repeatedly sang the words “Maranatha, come Lord Jesus!”

And I remember thinking to myself, “Do I really want Jesus to come back right now? I remember thinking … “Jesus, could you please wait to come back until I’ve gotten married… could you please wait until I’ve had some kids, and seen some more blessings in this life?”

What is your hope currently set on? In other words, if Jesus came back right now… would you be overjoyed, or frustrated by his timing?

Do you love Jesus such that you would be delighted for him to return and interrupt your plans for your life? Can you agree with the prayer that ends the whole Bible?

“Come, Lord Jesus!”

Cities Church, I exhort you this morning: set your hope fully on the return of our King.

This reminds us of our need to confess our sins…

Prayer of Confession

Lord, help us to live in light of your return. How differently would we live if you were to return tomorrow? How differently would we spend our time? How fervently would we pray? How peaceably would we interact with one another? How quickly would we pursue reconciliation? How earnestly would we witness to unbelievers? How holy would we strive to be? Lord, we confess that our lives often betray our unbelief in your return. 

Lord Jesus, we confess that too often our greatest hope is misplaced. Too often we set our hope on earthly comforts and pleasures, rather than longing for your return. In these things Lord, we are great sinners, and we ask now for you to convict us by your Spirit in this time of silent confession.