For Christians, hope means hope in God through Jesus Christ. It's the belief we have that God is faithful and that He will complete whatever he has started. As Christians, we trust in His plan and have faith that God knows what is best for us. We wait with both hope and patience for God's purpose to be fulfilled.
Hope is what allows Christians to outlast life's hardships and turn to God in times of need. In Scripture, Jesus offers hope for seniors in several places, revealing himself to be a friend, intercessor, provider and savior. Here are some portions of the Bible where Jesus offers hope to seniors.
No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing, but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father, I have made known to you. John 15:15
This verse reminds seniors that Jesus chose us to become part of his inner circle — his family. With grace and love, Jesus comes to us to raise us up and seat us with Him.
And Jesus does not ask His believers to follow blindly. The story of his life and his ministry shows us the goodness of His character and intentions. In this part of Scripture, seniors are reminded that they are never truly alone because Jesus is always with them, serving as a friend they can trust in any situation.
And earlier in the Gospel, a few verses prior, Jesus asks us one thing in return: That we love others as He has loved us.
In Romans 8:34, Saint Paul writes:
Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died — more than that, who was raised — who is at the right hand of God, who is interceding for us.
This verse reminds seniors of faith that Jesus is standing by, ready to advocate for us and our sins. He is the only one who intercedes on our behalf before God. Jesus fully understands our experiences as humans, as people who are often tempted, and therefore he serves as an understanding intercessor.
And later in the New Testament, in Hebrews 7:25, seniors are reminded that Jesus intercedes for them at all times, not just temporarily, and holds them in prayer.
Consequently, He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
The importance of Jesus's sinless life and sacrificial death are at the very heart of the Christian faith, and these events provide seniors with everlasting hope in life that Jesus is the risen savior.
Seniors can find endless hope in the Easter Gospel stories, in which Jesus's death and sacrifice are chronicled in detail.
The next day, he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!"
What a joyous moment that must have been for John, to see the risen Lord. When seniors believe in Jesus and trust in his word, they can find forgiveness, peace and hope that lets them look forward to an eternal future in heaven with God.
Seniors who may be facing times of hardship can deepen their faith when they reflect on the hopeful reminder that Jesus provides what they need. He is the source of all life and helps us sustain it.
There is much evidence of this in scripture, such as in the following verses:
For the Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He knows you’re going through this great wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you. You have lacked nothing. (Deuteronomy 2:7)
Both riches and honor come from you, and you rule over all. In your hand are power and might, and in your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. (1 Chronicles 29:12)
Finally, in Matthew Chapter 6, Jesus reminds us not to focus on worldly needs so much because he will provide in our times of need.
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:31-33)
The lesson here is that when seniors believe in Jesus and find hope in the promises of God, all other things fall into place because God is the eternal provider.
Seniors can find hope in Jesus because He is a friend, intercessor, savior and provider all at once.
