Today there is a memorial service being held in Yankee Stadium dedicated
to those who lost their lives in the recent terrorist attack on America.
Not only on a larger scale, but also on a smaller, local scale the lives
of those lost will be spoken of. If you were able to listen to your own
funeral eulogy (Tom Sawyer style), how would you like to hear yourself
described? I am reminded of Hebrews chapter 11 where the narration of
several heroes of faith is given. What are the characteristics of real
heroes? What sorts of feats make a person into a hero or heroine? Let's
open to Hebrews chapter eleven and glean some insight...
Hebrews 11:4, "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice
than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying
of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.
Hebrews 11:5, "By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death;
and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation
he had this testimony, that he pleased God."
Hebrews 11:7, "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as
yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the
which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which
is by faith."
Hebrews 11:8, "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place
which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went
out, not knowing whither he went."
Hebrews 11:11, "Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive
seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she
judged him faithful who had promised."
Hebrews 11:24-27, "By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused
to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer
affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin
for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the
treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.
By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured,
as seeing him who is invisible.
The list of heroes goes on and on throughout the remainder of this chapter,
and even in other places in scripture, as does the eulogy of their life's
accomplishments. It's hard not to admire these individuals, for they did
not have a complete Bible as do we. How much more faith ought you and
I to have! How many more godly heroes ought to be produced today with
the whole of God's Word at our disposal. There ought to be a mass number
of Christians demonstrating the same heroic behavior; exhibiting the same
courage to stand, the same resolution to do right, making similarly hard
choices, as determined to persevere through tough times, carrying a deep
faith in God that alters one's focus and perspective on life, striving
diligently and soberly to please God in all that is said and done. Yes,
there are some, but unfortunately they are few and far between...
Judges 21:25, "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did
that which was right in his own eyes."
Real heroes submit to God's authority. During the time of the judges,
the people of Israel experienced trouble because everyone became his own
authority and acted on his own opinions of right and wrong. This produced
horrendous results, as you can well imagine! Our world is similar today,
amen? Individuals, groups, and societies have made themselves the final
authorities without reference to God. When people selfishly satisfy their
personal desires at all costs, everyone pays the price.
Real heroes are models in every area of life. Yes, there are going to
be heroes and heroines mentioned time and time again as the story of September
11th is told and retold. But ladies, it is the ultimate heroic act to
submit all our plans, desires, and motives to God. The Bible speaks of
men like Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson who are known for their heroism
in battle. But their personal lives were far from heroic. How about yours??
Real heroes maintain consistency throughout life. To be truly heroic,
we must go into battle each day in our homes, jobs, churches, and society
to make God's kingdom a reality. Our weapons are the standards, morals,
truths, and convictions we receive from God's Word. We will lose the battle
if we gather the spoils of earthly treasures rather than seeking the treasures
of heaven!
Psalm 101:6, "Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they
may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me."
Godly heroes avoid all forms of wickedness. In Psalm 101, David listed
the standards he intended to follow. Whether he knew it or not, he was
setting himself up to be a hero, someone others could look to as a man
of distinguished valor. David knew that to lead a blameless life he would
need God's help (101:2). Ladies, we too, can lead blameless lives if we
join David and avoid looking at wickedness (101:3), avoid evil associates
(101:4), avoid slander and pride (101:5). However, while avoiding the
wrongs listed above, we must also let God's Word show us the standards
by which to live and govern our conduct accordingly.
Godly heroes are the best ones to have. David said that he would keep
his eyes "on the faithful of the land." In other words, he would choose
as models and as friends those who are godly and truthful. They would
be his heroes! Ladies, our friends and associates can have a profound
influence on our life. Never underestimate the power of your relationships...
How do you think the individuals praised in Hebrews 11 were looked upon
by those of their day? Most were considered extremists, they were an irritation,
they were laughed at and mocked. But that doesn't change the way God views
their accomplishments, amen? Be sure
to keep your eyes on those who are faithful to God and His Word!
Acts 28:30-31, "And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house,
and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God,
and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all
confidence, no man forbidding him."
God does his greatest work through unsung heroes. The book of Acts deals
with the history of the Christian church and its expansion in ever-widening
circles touching Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus, and Rome - the most influential
cities in the Western world! Acts also shows the mighty miracles and testimonies
of the heroes and martyrs of the early church: Peter, Stephen, James,
and Paul. All the ministry was prompted and held together by the Holy
Spirit working in the lives of ordinary people such as merchants, travelers,
slaves, jailers, church leaders, males, females, Gentiles, Jews, rich,
poor. They took extraordinary risks for the glory of God. Many unsung
heroes of the faith confidently continued the work, through the Holy Spirit,
in succeeding generations, changing the world with a changeless message
- that Jesus Christ is Savior and Lord for all who call upon Him!
Which of God's mighty servants, past or present, can serve as an inspiration
for your spiritual life? It's not over yet... Today we can be the unsung
heroes in the continuing story of the spread of the gospel. It is that
same powerful message that we Christians are to take to the world so that
many more may hear and believe.
Someday, your achievements will be recited by God Himself....
Will you be a real hero?
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 1999 Pamela A. Iannello
