We dive into a story of a new construction project that is taking place in a turbulent time in the history of Israel. There was a group of young men that were studying and learning in the school of the prophets with Elisha, and it came to a place where this seminary had become too small for them to live and to study.

If I assess our current situation, our projected path, if we take a core sample of the culture, I’m afraid there are some places in scripture that would define where we are, and it’s a telling thing to understand just what the implications are—the truth is, Jesus could return at any moment! 

We are truly living in the last days—history is coming to her final chapters, and as we approach that day, our hearts are to be prepared. This is NOT the time for us to quit. 

1And the sons of the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with thee is too strait for us.

Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. And he answered, Go ye.

And one said, Be content, I pray thee, and go with thy servants. And he answered, I will go.

So he went with them. And when they came to Jordan, they cut down wood.

But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! for it was borrowed.

And the man of God said, Where fell it? And he shewed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither; and the iron did swim.

Therefore said he, Take it up to thee. And he put out his hand, and took it.

2 Kings 6:1-7

Hopelessness and Despair, Pressure, Pain and Fatigue! Dissatisfaction, Contempt, Complacency. Weariness that leads to giving up. This might describe your life in its entirety, or in some way, a portion of your life. The end result is a group, a generation, a people who are ready to give up! I’ve heard in my office and on the phone many times in the past 2 years, it’s just not worth it! I cant take it anymore.

Today, I want us to see the second one has to do with what we are in our souls when our spiritual nakedness and bankruptcy are revealed. Where are plunged into sorrow for sin. The sorrow is for our sin and the sin we see all around, sin that breaks God’s heart as well as His laws, sin that breaks our hearts too. Those who mourn are promised comfort.

Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4

This Sunday, the day after Christmas, I want us to explore a passage of scripture that comes shortly after the birth of our Lord, still found in the second chapter of Luke. Luke 2 is a vital chapter of truth and everything we find there is consequential to me and to you. Everything here is for us to consume and it is rich truth, full of hope! That would be my heart today, for us to find yet another layer of real hope, tangible hope, hope that you can count on and sort of store up for the coming days of your life. 

We all need hope!