Ithemba alibulali

In isiXhosa and isiZulu there is an expression which the sages of old used when people came face to face with doubt and fear.  They assured you, ‘ithemba alibulali’ – don’t give up, because there is always light at the end of the tunnel: hope will neither kill nor disappoint you.

Romans 5:1-11
Nearly two thousand years ago Paul assured the Romans that their hope of sharing in God’s glory was not an illusion (v2). It was real and would not disappoint them. What were his reasons?
Firstly, God prized them so highly that his Spirit would ‘drown’ them with his love (v5). Secondly, Christ died on the cross, making a way for believers to share in his eternal kingdom (v6). Paul was dedicated to teaching everyone this wonderful truth in order to present them perfect in Christ (Col. 1:28). Thirdly, because of Christ they had been reconciled to God (v11).
As believers they should place their hope in the unchanging Christ and not on worldly wisdom, economic strength or mental prowess. Thus for the church in Rome and for all who have subsequently been justified through faith, there is hope based on what Christ has done. It is a hope that does not disappoint us. For believers,  ‘ithemba alibulali’.

Meditation
No doubt you want to see God at work in fresh ways in your life, fellowship and community. Mere human efforts to solve problems are doomed to failure, yet with ‘Christ in you, the hope of glory’ (Col. 1;27) there is a way. Ask Jesus to help you place your hope unreservedly in him.

Shalom

Moshe