"to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment - to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ." {Ephesians 1:10} NIV

You might not know this, but we are in the church age. This is what Bible scholars call the time from pentecost, [Acts 2] to the rapture. {1Thessalonians 4:13-18} I know this knowledge hasn't been earth shattering or anything, but we will discuss it a little further, and you will see why it is important. 

Most christians realize that this current world state is not all that there is. We live in a world where war and rumors of war are all over. 24 Million children world-wide suffer from severe acute malnutrition, a deadly condition if not treated. {actionagainsthunger.org} More families are displaced from their countries than ever before. The family structure as God intended is constantly under seize. 

All we know of life is what we see in this world right now. This will  change after the tribulation, when Jesus comes to earth to reign from a thousand years. This is known as the Millennial Kingdom. This is what our verse for today is referring to. No more hunger, war or governments fighting each other. Christ will be the light, and ruler over all.

John Eldredge,  in his recent book-"All Things New", discusses the restoration of all the things we love. Just as Adam and Eve lived in a perfect environment, so the world will return to this pre-sin state. Eldredge says,"What will be the great sustaining hope of your life? For the Christian, this means that in the end, nothing is lost. Understand this, and your life will change -  today and forever."

Hope is what our lost world needs! What causes anxiety, anger, despair - the loss of hope. Our hope as Christians is not like the world. Hope in God is not a question, but an exclamation point! 
It refers to a solid ground, not an uncertain future. "Firm and certain expectation is what "Unger's Bible Dictionary says of hope.

Our God is an awesome, never failing God, and He fully intends on keeping every promise he has made. My son told me today, that a year ago he told the Lord that he would do what ever he needed to do to get through college. No  more foolish behavior, no more flunking. Today, he applied for graduation in May.

 That is our God. When we decide to take him seriously, and follow him, life begins anew. We may never live to see the millennial age here on earth, but we know he is with us, and his promises are true. Right here and now we can live beyond our circumstances.