Embracing Meta Hope: A Journey Beyond Earthly Desires

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the profound question of what we are truly looking forward to in life. Beyond the immediate hopes and desires, we delved into the concept of a "meta hope"—a hope that transcends all others and is worthy of the devotion of our one and only life. This idea is juxtaposed with the modern fascination with the "metaverse," a term that captures the notion of a reality beyond our current existence. The word "universe" itself suggests a story, a unity, and a purpose, indicating that our lives are part of a grand narrative orchestrated by God.

We then turned to the final letter in C.S. Lewis's "The Screwtape Letters," which offers a vivid depiction of the moment a soul transitions from this life to the next. This transition is marked by a profound liberation from sin, doubt, and the burdens of earthly existence. The imagery of shedding a defiled garment and emerging into a new life free from temptation and guilt is a powerful reminder of the hope we have in Christ. This hope is not just about escaping the negative but about entering into a fullness of life where we see God face to face, as described in 1 Corinthians 13.

The narrative continues with the realization that in the presence of God, all doubts and fears are dispelled. The soul recognizes the divine presence that has been with it all along, even in moments of solitude and despair. This recognition brings freedom from loneliness and a deep sense of belonging to the spiritual reality that surrounds us. The promise of seeing God, of being united with loved ones, and of having our brokenness healed is a hope that surpasses all earthly desires.

As we anticipate this ultimate fulfillment, we are reminded of the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us. Their presence encourages us to live with the end in mind, to devote our lives to what truly matters, and to look forward to the day when all will be made right. This is the wisdom we hold onto, the promise that sustains us, and the love that binds us together.

Key Takeaways:

1. Meta Hope and Life's Devotion: Our lives should be devoted to a hope that transcends all others, a "meta hope" that aligns with God's grand narrative. This hope is not just about personal desires but about participating in the unity and purpose of the universe. [00:36]

2. Liberation from Sin and Doubt: The transition from this life to the next is marked by liberation from sin and doubt. This freedom is not just an escape but an entry into a fuller life where we see God face to face, as described in 1 Corinthians 13. [06:47]

3. Recognition of Divine Presence: In the presence of God, all doubts and fears are dispelled. The soul recognizes the divine presence that has been with it all along, bringing freedom from loneliness and a deep sense of belonging. [08:02]

4. The Great Cloud of Witnesses: We are encouraged by the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us. Their presence reminds us to live with the end in mind, devoting our lives to what truly matters. [11:00]

5. Ultimate Fulfillment and Healing: The promise of seeing God, being united with loved ones, and having our brokenness healed is a hope that surpasses all earthly desires. This ultimate fulfillment is worth looking forward to and is the wisdom we hold onto. [11:46]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:24] - Question of Hope
- [00:48] - The Metaverse and Meaning
- [01:21] - Universe and Unity
- [02:18] - Meta and Beyond
- [02:44] - C.S. Lewis's Final Letter
- [03:23] - Parody of Love
- [04:32] - Liberation from Sin
- [05:56] - Entering New Life
- [06:47] - Seeing Face to Face
- [07:34] - Recognition of Spirits
- [08:44] - Freedom from Loneliness
- [09:01] - Seeing God
- [10:17] - Glimpse of Heaven
- [11:28] - Ultimate Fulfillment

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 13:12 - "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."
2. Hebrews 12:1 - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does the term "meta hope" mean in the context of the sermon, and how does it differ from our everyday hopes? [00:36]
2. How does C.S. Lewis's depiction of the soul's transition in "The Screwtape Letters" illustrate liberation from sin and doubt? [04:32]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of recognizing the divine presence in our lives? [08:02]
4. How does the concept of the "great cloud of witnesses" encourage us to live with the end in mind? [11:00]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the idea of a "meta hope" challenge or reinforce the way individuals prioritize their life goals and desires? [00:36]
2. In what ways does the imagery of shedding a defiled garment in C.S. Lewis's work relate to the Christian understanding of salvation and new life? [04:59]
3. How might the recognition of God's presence in our lives change our perspective on loneliness and belonging? [08:02]
4. What role do the "great cloud of witnesses" play in shaping a believer's journey of faith, according to Hebrews 12:1? [11:00]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current hopes and desires. How do they align with the concept of a "meta hope" that transcends all others? [00:36]
2. Consider a time when you felt liberated from a burden or doubt. How did that experience shape your understanding of freedom in Christ? [04:32]
3. How can you become more aware of God's presence in your daily life, especially during moments of solitude or despair? [08:02]
4. Who are the "witnesses" in your life that inspire you to live with the end in mind? How can you honor their influence in your journey of faith? [11:00]
5. What practical steps can you take to focus on the ultimate fulfillment and healing promised in the Christian faith, rather than temporary earthly desires? [11:46]
6. Identify a specific area of brokenness in your life. How can the promise of healing and unity in Christ motivate you to seek restoration? [11:28]
7. How can you encourage others in your community to live with a sense of purpose and hope that aligns with God's grand narrative? [11:00]

Devotional

Day 1: Devotion to a Meta Hope
Our lives are often filled with immediate hopes and desires, but there is a deeper, more profound hope that transcends all others—a "meta hope." This hope aligns with God's grand narrative and invites us to participate in the unity and purpose of the universe. It is not merely about fulfilling personal desires but about devoting our lives to something greater, something that gives meaning to our existence. This meta hope is a call to align our lives with the divine story that God is weaving, a story that encompasses all of creation and invites us to play a part in it. [00:36]

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can shift your focus from immediate desires to aligning with God's greater purpose? How can you begin to devote your life to this meta hope today?


Day 2: Liberation from Sin and Doubt
The transition from this life to the next is marked by a profound liberation from sin and doubt. This freedom is not just an escape from the negative aspects of life but an entry into a fuller existence where we see God face to face. As described in 1 Corinthians 13, this transition is akin to shedding a defiled garment and emerging into a new life free from temptation and guilt. It is a powerful reminder of the hope we have in Christ, a hope that promises not only liberation but also the fullness of life in God's presence. [06:47]

"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV)

Reflection: What are the doubts or sins that weigh you down today? How can you invite God to begin the process of liberation in your life, allowing you to experience a fuller life in His presence?


Day 3: Recognition of Divine Presence
In the presence of God, all doubts and fears are dispelled. The soul recognizes the divine presence that has been with it all along, bringing freedom from loneliness and a deep sense of belonging. This recognition is a profound moment of realization that God has been with us in every moment, even in times of solitude and despair. It is a reminder that we are never truly alone and that God's presence is a constant source of comfort and strength. [08:02]

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt alone or in despair. How can you recognize God's presence with you in that moment and in your current circumstances?


Day 4: The Great Cloud of Witnesses
We are encouraged by the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us. Their presence reminds us to live with the end in mind, devoting our lives to what truly matters. This cloud of witnesses serves as a source of inspiration and encouragement, urging us to persevere in our faith and to focus on the ultimate goal of being united with God. It is a call to live intentionally, with the awareness that our lives are part of a larger story that God is writing. [11:00]

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1, ESV)

Reflection: Who are the "witnesses" in your life that inspire you to live with purpose? How can you honor their legacy by focusing on what truly matters in your daily life?


Day 5: Ultimate Fulfillment and Healing
The promise of seeing God, being united with loved ones, and having our brokenness healed is a hope that surpasses all earthly desires. This ultimate fulfillment is worth looking forward to and is the wisdom we hold onto. It is a vision of a future where all things are made right, where we experience the fullness of life in God's presence, and where our deepest longings are satisfied. This hope sustains us through the challenges of life and gives us the strength to persevere. [11:46]

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of brokenness in your life that you long to see healed? How can you hold onto the hope of ultimate fulfillment and healing as you navigate this journey?

Quotes


what are you hoping for what is your meta hope what is your hope beyond all hopes and is what you're looking forward to worthy of the devotion of your one and only life we have been thinking about that topic over the last week or so a lot of you will have seen mark zuckerberg from facebook is promising now a new entity called the metaverse [00:36:04]

and part of what is embedded in that word universe is the notion that there is meaning to it that it is a story that it is headed someplace and not just that it is a universe that it it was meant to be an expression of unity there is a oneness to it all truth is god's truth we are meant to be united [01:47:20]

and that is the parody of love love as desire love as the enriching only of the self you've let a soul slip through your fingers the howl of sharpened famine for that loss re-echoes at this moment through all the levels of the kingdom of noise down to the very throne itself it makes me mad to think of it [04:13:12]

how well i know what happened at that instant when they snatched him from you there was a sudden clearing of his eyes was there not as he saw you for the first time and recognized the part you had had in him and knew that you had it no longer just think and let it be the beginning of your agony [04:34:40]

to be free of sin not just free of a guilty conscience to be free of being tempted by that which is wrong for ego or greed or lust or revenge or small-mindedness or comparison or envy to have no more interest at all for it just to drop away like scales that's worth looking forward to [05:28:16]

how all his doubts became in the twinkling of an eye ridiculous to be free of doubt i know what the creature was saying to itself yes of course it was always like this all horrors have followed the same course getting worse and worse forcing you into kind of bottleneck till at the very moment when you thought you must be crushed behold you were out [06:04:79]

the day is coming he said when we will no longer see through a glass darkly enigmatically we will see face to face as he saw you he also saw them i know how it was you reeled back dizzy and blinded more hurt by them than he had ever been by bombs the degradation of it that this thing of earth and slime could stand upright [07:05:68]

he had no faintest conception till that very hour of how they would look and even doubted their existence but when he saw them he knew that they had always that he had always known them and realized what part each one of them had played at many an hour in his life when he had supposed himself alone [07:45:36]

we will be free from loneliness we will see the spiritual reality the great cloud of witnesses the angelic hosts that now we dimly sense and when that moment comes we will know and then this he saw not only them he saw him this animal this thing begotten in a bed could look on him [08:44:80]

pains he may still have to encounter but they embrace those pains they would not barter them for any earthly pleasure we will see him we will see god we will see jesus face to face i have never had a a vision of heaven or of god but years ago not real long after dallas willard died one time [09:48:80]

those that we love and our broken splintered world will become united and our broken shattered souls will be cleansed and healed and made whole and the awful pain of our lives will somehow be set right and made glorious and the darkness will turn to light king that's worth looking forward to [11:20:16]

we will join that great cloud dallas and dad and goldie david hubbard max talked to my friend brian yesterday who just lost his mom to my friend corki last week who just lost hers those that we love and our broken splintered world will become united and our broken shattered souls will be cleansed and healed [10:56:24]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
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