Living with Hope
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
I Thessalonians 4:13
Believers do not need sorrow like those who have no hope because they are uncertain about what will happen. Is such a statement relevant in a technology-advanced society when things around us are ever-changing? With the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI), can we still exercise hope or even wonder about the future? Remember, AI uses algorithms to create expert systems which make predictions. In other words, the theoretical form of AI is where a machine would have an intelligence equal to humans leading to self-aware consciousness that can solve problems, learn, and plan. It is believed that AI could surpass the intelligence and ability of the human brain. So, can AI replace hope?
Most readers of this blog will respond quickly with a NO as absolutely NOT. Yet, I believe in the possibility of AI changing the platform of thinking when all your questions are answered simply by inputting a keystroke. When we reduce everyday problems using AI, will one have time to hope? Hope waits for the supernatural to happen, so everyday problems will no longer exist. In the past, many social challenges evolved into major movements because the movement strived with the expectation of hope. Rev. Jesse Jackson coined the phrase Keep Hope Alive, meaning that when something becomes increasingly unlikely, do not stop believing in it. Even if AI removes barriers that we were unaware of their existence to make life easier and simpler, we cannot forget the hope of salvation.
The hope of salvation is what the Apostle Paul reminded the believers of Thessalonica, who thought that Jesus’ return had occurred. Their deceased loved ones missed the opportunity to return with Him. Notice how Paul addressed their loved ones as not dead but asleep, waiting for the resurrection. He assured them that their hope of salvation was not in vain and that it was only a matter of time before Christ’s return.
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him… 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
I Thessalonians 4:14,16-17
Likewise, believers cannot forget the hope of salvation in today's ever-changing world, which exceeds AI expectations. However, some may argue that the hope of salvation is irrelevant now because of all these advances, and the second coming is delayed. They might say that the world is ever-changing, and believers must be prepared to accept these changes and move forward. Yet, believers must maintain the faith that God will never abandon them, regardless of societal norms of allowing AI to replace the worship of God. Believers must have the courage to trust God and persevere in His service. Remember, God will always exist, so the true hope of salvation in this ever-changing world rests that Jesus Christ will reign even over the AI.
Dr. Vince Bantu writes about the leader of the Egyptian Church in the 400s named, Timothy Aelurus. The dominant church in Rome exiled Timothy to Syria because the Egyptian Church used different words in their doctrine. Yet, being exiled, Timothy wrote words of hope to the Egyptian congregants who remained loyal to him. These exact words of hope are relevant today in an ever-changing society.
He who was born is God. He who was crowned with thorns is God. He who was nurtured with milk is God. He who endures on our behalf all things save only sin is God. He did no sin neither guile found in His mouth. He who was crucified and tasted death in His flesh is God. He who was buried rose again from the dead, ascended into heaven, and will come again to judge both the quick and the dead, of whose kingdom there shall no end, is God.
(By Dr. Vince Bantu, A Multitude of All Peoples: Engaging Ancient of All People)
The encouragement by Timothy Aelurus remains applicable for believers today when societal norms discredit any belief that Jesus the Christ is God. This message of hope centers on Christ returning to redeem his followers. Timothy’s message reminds us that, regardless of what society says, Christ's second coming is something that all believers should continue to hope for and prepare for.
