Hope out of Hemp

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

 – 1Peter 1:3

Tourists from around the world flock to Colorado in order to explore our ski slopes, mountain peaks, hiking trails, and now… marijuana dispensaries. 

Searching Google for “places to buy marijuana” in my hometown of Boulder results in over twenty different options.  Each dispensary proudly touts their unique environment, friendly and expert staff, and excellent products.  On their websites, they even let you know how many minutes it will likely to take you to purchase your cannabis and be on your way to experiencing a true “Rocky Mountain High.”

Last summer, while at a stop light across from a marijuana dispensary, I watched a young girl leave their parking lot by driving over a curb, onto the sidewalk, and into traffic without looking. As cars swerved, horns honked, and people shouted at her, I thought to myself: “They must have really powerful samples today!”

It’s crazy that people driving high don’t shock me anymore.  Because we live up a mountain road where people often park to get a glimpse of the mountain peaks or the city lights below, I smell marijuana so often I’ve stopped counting.  Although this “new normal” doesn’t surprise me anymore, I’m still concerned about the health of our youth in America.

While studying the life of Simon Peter in the Bible, I received a renewed hope for our teenagers in Colorado, and around our country.  When Peter was young, he was spontaneous and impulsive, easily tempted and distracted.  He often spoke offensively and acted without thinking.  On the eve of Jesus’ crucifixion, He gave in to sleep and disobeyed Jesus’ orders to stay awake and keep watch.  Moments later, he acted bravely in defending Jesus by cutting the ear off of one of Jesus’ captors.  Yet even later that night, Peter denied ever knowing Jesus three separate times.

Still, Jesus called Peter a friend.  Instead of shame and blame, Jesus gave him a second chance.  After His resurrection, Jesus asked Peter three different times if he loved Him.  Each time Peter responded “Yes, Lord. I love you.” Jesus allowed Peter to replace each of his three earlier denials with three affirmations of love.  Then, Jesus gave Peter an important task to do for God’s kingdom.

When Peter grew up and stepped in his calling from God, Jesus took Peter’s mess ups and created a powerful message.  Peter was the “ROCK” Jesus built His church on.  The very first day Peter shared his faith in Jesus with a crowd, more than three thousand people believed and were added to the early church (Acts 2:41). 

Later in Peter’s life, he was compelled to share his faith in two books of the Bible; first and second Peter.  In these books, we hear a mature, thoughtful, and faithful follower of Jesus passing on his wisdom to generations to come.  

Peter’s turnaround gives us hope for our teenagers of today.  Though they may be acting immaturely and impulsively, they can one day gain wisdom and understanding like Peter. Let’s praise God that He’s not done with us yet.  Lessons will be learned.  Mess ups will become powerful messages, and wayward ones will find their way to Jesus.  

I have decided to replace my concerns with a hope anchored in faith and prayer powered by God’s truths.  I will lift up our teens in prayer and believe God is on the move even today.  Like times before, He will raise up spiritual leaders and faith followers in this generation too.  Please hope and pray with me.

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