Who is Our Hero?
Good Morning Friends,
Many look up to sports stars and athletes, and others look up to musicians and movie stars. Heroes do things most of us cannot do. But God’s heroes were rarely men and women of extraordinary ability or talent. They were men and women of extraordinary faith. The two types of heroes do however have something in common with each other and those whose gaze is fixed upon them. They both have a focus. So, today as we contemplate the connection between freedom, reason and virtue I ask us to consider this… Who is Our Hero?
Scripture: But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters,* to respect those who labour among you, and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you; 13esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14And we urge you, beloved,* to admonish the idlers, encourage the faint-hearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. 15See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. 16Rejoice always, 17pray without ceasing, 18give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-18 (NRSV)
22Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land,* for the wind was against them. 25And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. 26But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. 27But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’28 Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ 29He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. 30But when he noticed the strong wind,* he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ 31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ 32When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’
Matthew 14:22-33 (NRSV)
Message: As we ponder today’s passages, their multiple truths seem to address our present condition as it relates to authority within the church, our family and our personal experience in community. It raises the question,” What external and internal disciplines do we accept? Do we accept the yoke of Christ? How do we relate to authority?” Are we willing to get out of the boat? Perhaps there is no rational cognitive certainty in our decision and answer. We believe and behave, or we do not. But the Bible gives help here because it is fundamentally a story about relationships and a way of life, not a way of thinking. It tells us that if we behave as walking, talking, examples of the fruits of the spirit, good things will result. Today’s scripture gives us some practical input on how future events can affect our relationships and how we can demonstrate our fruits of the spirit in those situations. Yes we human beings are still governed by our senses and we like pleasure and dislike and wish to avoid pain. But our interests, wants, desires and preferences cannot be used as a basis for universal moral principles. They are contingent and ever-changing. Making a man happy is quite different from making him good and making him prudent or astute in seeking his advantage is quite different from making him virtuous. The fact that a majority prefers a law or a social policy does not make that law or policy just. If one wants the true freedom of getting out of the boat one has to focus on Jesus the greatest good…the greatest of heroes. And here Jesus is always ready to teach and lead us. Jesus is here to call and command and to lift us up during times of need. And here focus makes all the difference. It allows us to see. But what we focus on also is so important. When we are driving focusing on the road ahead is so important. Distractions can kill us. The Bible gives us similar instructions. There are risks and rewards on the journey of life. But it always requires faith and courage to take the next step. Here a focus on Jesus appears risky but a focus on ourselves is actually riskier. If we are to stretch ourselves we need to have perseverance that is fueled by a focus on something greater than ourselves.
Here the miracle is that He never takes His eyes off us even though we take our eyes off Him. So have faith… expect that miracle and more. If God can be trusted with our souls…it is only reasonable He can be trusted with our feet.
Pray we as ordinary people get out of the boat. Pray we are in our right mind. Pray that despite our feelings of doubt and inadequacy we have the courage to take the next step. Pray we understand the true risk and reward. Pray we allow our faith to be stretched. Pray if we have that sinking feeling that we turn our eyes to Christ. Pray
Jesus perfects our faith and our reason. Pray we are sincere in doing our duty. Pray we conquer our will and submit to God’s. Pray we realize that there is nothing to fear but sin and nothing to desire but God. Pray we be focused with devotion to God’s work. Pray we walk on the legs of faith and works. Pray we hang on focused on Jesus who knows when we need to take the next step. Pray that Jesus rescues us so that we might have more opportunities to grow. Pray we take the next step in faith not fear. Pray we learn to be joyful and thankful in every situation, serving others, letting go of control so we can let God take the lead. Pray we find dignity in choosing the yoke of Christ.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 