Without an awareness of eternity and the resurrection, our hope is utterly bound to things that will fade away; it is a “dying hope.” This does not mean it is bad, it is simply limited. The person whose hope is based only on their here-and-now life pursues a hope that dies with him; even the one who thinks generationally invests in a hope that passes when the future generations do.

Jesus’ resurrection brings a “living hope” in two ways. First, it disrupts our logic by making it clear that “death has lost its sting” and this life is nothing compared to the full life he offers; suddenly our here-and-now hopes fail to measure up to the hope he presents. Second, it frees us from the obligation of manufacturing (or even understanding) this hope, because we cannot; it is only through his resurrection that we can access it. Our limitations no longer dictate our connection with hope. More than that, this “living hope” is only available because of God’s great mercy to us! We don’t deserve it; He offers it nonetheless!

What will we invest our heart, mind, soul, and strength into pursuing… a living hope, or a dying hope? A hope that will last for eternity, or a hope that is fading away? Admittedly, the latter seems easier to understand and control, though it will never satisfy. Only the living hope can truly satisfy, and it is only accessible through releasing the old life and embracing the new.