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Hebrews 2:9 NLT

'What we do see is Jesus, who for a little while was given a position “a little lower than the angels”; and because he suffered death for us, he is now “crowned with glory and honor.” Yes, by God’s grace, Jesus tasted death for everyone.'

Imagining the future can be difficult. In a recent report I read about ageing, Australian psychologists identified that older people can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. What they imagine, or fear, about getting older actually becomes their reality. In other words, we live our lives in line with our expectations. I can see this in myself at times.

Reading the Bible offers us regular insights into God’s promises and purpose. Many are future-focused and have to be taken on trust. Our problem is the confidence we can place in this data source. For without such confidence we are unlikely to place much trust in it. Yet, what other sources of data do we have to choose from?

In our minds we might elevate certain individuals or professions to the status of experts but they too can fail in their evaluations. It is always my responsibility to choose the degree to which I accept their assessment. The risk, whether explained or not, always remains mine. Often in such pressing situations we hear the most positive potential outcome and quickly assume this is our expected outcome. When it fails in some way we look to blame someone, usually the medical profession. The future is forever uncertain, and remains such for each of us. We cannot control it.

God in his wisdom has made a long-term promise for the future of humanity. He then demonstrates his authority in making such a promise. Jesus, God made flesh, endured life on earth as we do, human yet divine, “tested in every way as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15, HCSB). However, while subject to the constraints of mortality in a corrupt world, he endured and conquered, for which God placed everything within his power. So, this is the basis of God’s invitation that I place trust in God’s promise for my future. It remains my choice.

QUESTION: In looking to the future, what do you imagine and fear?

PRAYER: Thank you, Lord God, that one day you will make all things new.