1 Corinthians
2:9 “No
eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has
prepared for those who love him”
Everyone needs hope regardless of age, occupation and
education – or lack of it. Take away a person’s hope for a brighter future and
you sap their motivation for living. That’s why the Bible regularly reminds
those of us who know the Lord that we have a great future in light of the
loving promises of God. 1 Corinthians 2:9 is just one of many texts that tell
us God’s incredible plans that await those who love him.
But what is God preparing? What are some of the promises
that make up our hope in Christ? First, look at some of the things God is
preparing to do to us. He will resurrect and transform our bodies to the
likeness of Christ’s body (Philippians 3:20). He will redeem our bodies at the
final adoption (Romans 8:19, 23). He will glorify himself in us on the final
day and throughout eternity (Romans 9:23-24). And, he will make us rulers and
priests in his kingdom (2 Timothy 2:11-12).
Now if this grace isn’t amazing enough at this point,
look at some of the things God is preparing to do for us as a part of our hope
in Christ. He is preparing to present Jesus in all his glory (1 John 3:2b-3).
He is preparing a heavenly home for us (John 14:2). He is preparing an unfading
inheritance that can never perish (Colossians 1:12, 3:23-24). He is preparing
to unite us again with our saved loved ones (1 Thessalonians 4:17b). And, he
will unite all things in heaven and on earth under Christ (Ephesians 1:9-10).
Take heart, dear friend. The road may look dark and murky
at this point, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Look up and know
that at this very moment, God is preparing something that includes you. O how
great is his love for us!
Written by H. Curtis McDaniel