From "In the End - The Beginning" by Jurgen Moltmann
But how can we talk about a future which isn't yet there, and tell about events which no one has yet seen? Is this just wishful thinking? Are these nightmares or speculations which no one can check?
But the the Christian hope doesn't talk about the future per se and all by itself, as an empty end towards which possible changes steer. It starts from a particular historical reality, and announces the future of that reality, its power over the future, and its consummation. The Christian doctrine of hope talks about Jesus Christ and his future. It is only in this name that hope is Christian.
We are talking about the future that moves out from the cross and the grave and the empty tomb. It is a future that has a shape to it that quite grounded in real life but at the same time, it shines forth into the future we have yet to touch. We do not wait for some fanciful future that will bring about a grand surprise. We talk about a future that is shaped by the Christ of God who humbled himself and became obedient unto death. It is a future with a past and a future that pulls us into the triumph of the resurrection. We hope for life that is known through Christ, Jesus, and a life we have yet to experience in its fullest.
Connection: Standing in the middle of the way things are, it can be very difficult to see anything other than what is. And yet, we are invited to look back and look ahead...and then, know that there is a way to live through this day as though it is the beginning of a promise...Hope filled.
Lord, bring us home and keep our eyes on how you have moved before us and promise to move with us into the days to come. Amen.
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