In the Orlando airport on the way home from Haiti (March 07) I purchased the book by Barack Obama entitled, The Audacity of Hope. I wanted to know a little more about this rising political star and I was particularly drawn to the title itself.
You should not read anything political into my reading this book (for which I make no apology). In fact, last night a couple of political comments came up and I decided that was a good time to go reload my dinner plate. As a pastor I’ve chosen to not get into politics and I think everyone in my congregation has the privilege and right to support the candidate and or political position of their choice.
Anyway, back to my point. I read the book like I do every book, with a pen and marker in hand. I read, underlined, highlighted and put the book on my shelf. But I keep picking it up just to read the cover. I am drawn repeatedly to that title and the byline beneath it. The Audacity of Hope, thoughts on reclaiming the American Dream.
Let’s think some this week about what it takes to reclaim God’s dream for your life. To do that, think about the term, “audacity of hope.”
Audacity is a great word meaning boldness or daring, especially reckless boldness. It is not calculated, not something you’ve thought out by considering all aspects and all odds. It is build on “presumption” which is our assumption that something is true.
When was the last time that any of us were daring? I find that I calculate away any possible boldness I might otherwise have. Some of that is just the way we were or were not raised and each of us finds ourself somewhere on that continuum. It is wise to not be rash and assuming on any number of earthly matters but here we are talking about the how we approach hope. How many times have we dashed hope with our calculations? How few times have we approached hope with true audacity?
Hope as a noun in the NT is defined as a “favorable and confident expectation” in terms of the future and the unseen. It is the word that describes the anticipation of good. As Christians we can feel this because all of our hopes are focused on Christ. 1 Timothy 1:1 Hope as a verb in the NT is basically translated “to trust.”
So hope by its very nature contains the element of audacity. Does my current relationship with the Lord produce in me the anticipation of good? Does it produce confidence? Does it engender actual acts of trust? Does it produce within me greater boldness and daring (audacity)?
I hope these comments serve as a STARTER to where your meditation and study of the Word will take you this week.