New Year, Same Hope

We’ve all been anticipating the start of this new year for a while now. Not that the change in number does anything magical, changes anything, or fixes anything. It does signify a new beginning. But what does the word “beginning” mean? 

The Hebrew word for beginning is pronounced ray-sheeth, which comes from the root word roshe; both meaning first, forefront, principal thing. In the context  of Genesis 1:1, we see that this word “beginning” means “the very first thing.” If you continue reading, you’ll also see what God does as the very first thing, and it is mind-boggling, let me tell you. 

We celebrate the beginning of a new year every year because it’s the first. The very first day of a new beginning. That’s why we see all the goals, resolutions, actions plans, and packed gyms. Now these goals and resolutions are not bad. Set goals for yourself if that is what helps you stay disciplined and motivated. I also want to offer another perspective. 

What if we used our very first day of a new year to begin walking in the same hope we have in Christ?

We are all more than likely facing the same problems on January 01, 2021 at 12:00am that we were facing on December 31, 2020 at 11:59pm.

What do we carry with us from year to year that never changes? What do we carry with us that helps us stand amidst the storms, gives us truth amidst our fears, and emanates light in our darkness?

In Isaiah 28, Isaiah is heeding the rulers to listen to God’s Word. Instead, they made a pact with Sheol (the grave/death) that is rooted in lies which will never protect them from their enemies or God’s judgment. They have essentially placed their refuge in falsehoods. God has graciously offered the rulers an alternative - a cornerstone that offers everlasting security to those who lean upon it.     

“...therefore thus says the Lord GOD, ‘Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation:...’ “ (Isaiah 28:16). 

We carry the unwavering hope we have in the person of Jesus Christ as our sure and secure foundation.

Michael Rydelnik, and Michael Vanlaningham, “Isaiah,” in The Moody Bible Commentary, (Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2014), 1041.