Written by Megan Meier
The Word
“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
“I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find till after death; I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the main object of life to press on to that other country and to help others to do the same.”
C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity p 137
Exegesis
C.S. Lewis’ speech on hope was given in 1943, the fourth year of World War II. There seemed to be no end in sight to the bombings and deaths of loved ones. Underneath the British stiff upper lip, people were beginning to lose hope. C.S. Lewis told listeners Christians had hope of a much better world, and he was focused on helping others find their way there.
The Apostle Paul had experienced numerous persecutions, and the church in Corinth was struggling with their beliefs, some even spreading a false gospel. Paul maintained his hope, clarified their confusion, and reminded them this world is not their final destination, Heaven was.
Application
Hope is an expectation with certainty, or the confidence that something will happen. World War II did end, the Christians in Corinth repented, and there will be a vaccine for COVID-19. But life won’t be perfect. It won’t be until we reach our true home. Until then, we are to give as many nonbelievers as possible the directions to the True Country.
Prayer
Dearest Lord, this world is just a shadow. We live in hope of Your True Country. Help us guide others there. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
City Life Starter 
Leave a Reply