Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- July 19, 2012
“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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” Hebrews 12:1-2a
Dead heroes are the most dependable, because they are in a position where they cannot mess up. Their legacy had been sealed in death and now they speak from the influence they left behind. Dead heroes inspire with their memory of love, wisdom and perseverance. They have stood the test of time having stood with courage in the face of adverse conditions, even to the point of death. Dead heroes bring love and faith to life.
We think about Abraham and our faith is energized. We mull on Moses and humility grips our heart. We read about David and come away with courage and the conviction to be accountable. Solomon soaks our minds with wisdom and Hannah moves our hearts to pray. Naomi inspires encouragement and Ruth instills obedience. These heroes of the faith facilitate faithfulness to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Heroes arouse hope.
“By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead.” Hebrews 11:4
Who are your heroes of the faith? Who do you look to as an example of love and obedience to God? Your heroes shape your soul—they inspire your spirit—and they mold your mind. What about Paul who gave up religious snobbery and elitism in exchange for becoming a bondservant of Jesus Christ? His intelligence and Holy Spirit inspired insight into Scripture and the human psyche requires a lifetime of study. He is a hero worth understanding and emulating. Raise your bar of admiration for the saints of old.
Certainly we are wise to avoid hero worship, this is worse than following the wrong example—it is idolatry. Jesus Christ alone is your object of affection, adoration and praise. He is your hero of heroes. Ultimately, all roads of respect merge back to the throne of our trusted savior, King Jesus. His example inspires you to endure in doing what’s right and His Spirit empowers you in service for Him. Jesus is your hero who was momentarily dead, but is now alive in you. Look to heroes who give you life in Christ!
“Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The Lord Almighty—he is the King of glory.” Psalm 24:8-10
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray my heroes are a reflection of You and Your priorities.
Related Readings: Genesis 31:53; 2 Kings 14:3; Psalm 25:15; John 13:15; 1 Corinthians 9:24
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I think of them more as “Infinite Heroes” because their living legacy is externalized on earth as it is in heaven. I am so grateful for them. I was just reading in Philippians 2 the other day and thinking of how much Paul and Timothy taught us and how much I would like my life to look like theirs did. They had that servant warrior kind of thing going on and they had “team hearts”, where they were encouraging the atmosphere of sharing in the mission of the Gospel. Pretty Cool the “Infinite Heroes” and their living legacies that are such a huge part of God’s shaping of our lives!
Love it! Thanks!
The devotional on heroes who have gone on to be with the Lord was a very timely and, I believe God-ordained message to a friend of mine. She is a teacher/missionary in Rwanda who is home for the summer. One of her dearest friends, a young man who is her declaired hero, died in a drowning accident just a few days ago. She believes with all her heart that this Christian young man, Emmanuel Manirakiza, would have been a future Nobel Peace Prize recipient or the future president of Rwanda. The timing of the devotional and the message in it helped her realize that this was not a random tragedy, but that God is in control and has a plan to continue to use his amazing story. Thank you for giving her strength, encouragement and hope as well as wisdom in this difficult time.