Understanding the Treasure of Hope

Treasure Text: “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance and taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope” (Romans 15:4, NIV).

Gemma loved school, but she always looked forward to the holidays. This year they were going to fly to visit Grandma. Mommy bought the tickets months before the trip, and it seemed to Gemma as though the holiday was never going to arrive. She told Grandma this on the phone.

Grandma tried to encourage Gemma. She explained that looking forward to something was called having hope. You plan for it, buy your tickets, and pack your clothes. Grandma also wished that the holidays were already here. Grandma promised to give Gemma a big hug at the airport.

Grandma and Gemma talked about the hope that the Bible gives. Because Adam and Eve decided to listen to Satan, Romans 1:25 tells us that people started to worship and serve created things rather than God as the Creator. People began to do lots of things that were wrong and hurtful, and not spend time learning about God and trusting Him. But because God loves us so much, He made a plan to save those who would turn to Him. God’s plan would stop Satan and sin from hurting people. God’s Son, Jesus, would come to earth as a baby. Even though Jesus never did anything that was wrong, He died for our sins, so that we could be forgiven and live with Jesus in heaven forever. God’s love gives us hope that we will go to heaven and be able to live with Him forever. Grandma shared a treasure text with Gemma where Jesus said:

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And . . . I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:1-3, NIV).

As Gemma thought about the holiday, she thought how nice it will be when Jesus comes. Then she and Grandma could be with Jesus forever. Suddenly Gemma couldn’t wait for Jesus to come. She phoned Grandma and told her. Grandma was so happy to hear that Gemma was excited for Jesus to come. “We have a wonderful hope, Gemma,” Grandma said. “It’s a hope that makes my heart sing. It is the hope that one day Jesus will be seen in the sky, and He will even wake up the dead people who loved Him.”

“After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever” (1 Thessalonians 4:17, NIV).

Gemma said she couldn’t wait! Can you?

Let’s Talk
How would you explain hope to another boy or girl?

Let’s Pray
Ask Jesus to help you give your heart to Him every day, so that you go to heaven with Him when He comes.

Let’s Make
Make a promise box. Make a little box and decorate it with drawings and stickers. Cut out small pieces of paper the same size and write your favorite hope texts on them. Roll them up and stand them in the box until the box is full. Read one text every day, or give the promise box to a friend.