Willy Wonka, Jesus & Hope

In Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, there is a scene where the main character Charlie, tells his bed-ridden grandfather Joe, that he bought a chocolate bar with THE golden ticket. There were only 5 golden tickets available for 5 children and a guest into the amazing, unbelievable factory of candy and chocolate. Charlie came home to tell Grandpa Joe about the ticket and invite him as his ‘plus 1’. Grandpa Joe, who had not walked in 20 years, asked for help out of the bed, grabbed a cane, and began to dance and sing around the room! He was beyond excited about the golden ticket and the incredible and magical experience that he and Charlie were about to share together. Grandpa Joe had a hope that he hadn’t had in years. The promise of entrance into the chocolate factory with Charlie caused him to get out of bed with excitement.

Having a guaranteed hope causes movement toward things you have not seen. Like Grandpa Joe, when you hear of good news that you can experience or entrance and favor that is promised to you, your response should be with singing, excitement, and gratitude. As a believer, you have a Hope far greater than a golden ticket. Believers have a solid hope in a risen Savior, Jesus Christ. When your confidence is in Jesus, you are loved and secured.

In Romans 8:35-39, Paul reminds the believers in Rome that nothing can separate them from the love of God. Nothing that they can do. Nothing that can be done around them. Absolutely, positively nothing can separate them from the love of God. What is the love of God that believers can never be separated from? That love physically looks like Jesus. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, Jesus (John 3:16). Yep, because God loved us SO much- He gave Jesus. Nothing can change or pull you apart from God’s love. Have hope in God’s unshakable love. Rest in that hope. 

Jesus became sin and took on the penalty of sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Thessalonians 5:9). You are safe from your sin! Jesus paid the price for every sin we have done, will do, or can think about doing. Your sin can never overtake you when you are anchored in Jesus. 

With an Almighty Savior as your hope, your response should be like Grandpa Joe. There should be a pep in your step, expectation in your heart, and an excitement in your tone that expresses your hope. When your hope is in Jesus, you are confident of the good work that He began will be completed (Philippians 1:6). You are expectant of His promise to never leave or forsake you (Hebrews 13:6). You have a peace beyond understanding when your hope is in Christ (Philippians 4:7).

In a world filled with so many uncertainties, suspicions, and fears-- choose hope. Don’t choose a hope in money, your education, your material things, or even a spouse (or lack thereof). Hope only in a risen Jesus. When your confidence is in Jesus alone, nothing in this world can shake (Psalms 62:6) or break you (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). Know that you are secured and you are loved. I encourage you to choose Hope.   

Rasheda Likely
Always Praying Blogger