Who Are Your Heroes?

Who Are Your Heroes?

 

Good Morning Friends,

 

Today we remember the fallen heroes who left behind widows and widowers, and sons and daughters, but also heroes now past who survived life’s battles. We are to look up to these heroes for they do things most us cannot do. People look up to heroes like some look up to sports stars and athletes, and others look up to musicians and movie stars. There is a spirit of excitement about them. 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… it is a matter of focus and a willingness to sacrifice. Who Are Your Heroes?

 

Scripture: 11Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. ²Indeed, by faith^* our ancestors received approval. ³By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

 

Hebrews 11:1-3 (NRSV)^* 4 

 

²⁴But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me wholeheartedly, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it.

 

Numbers 14:24 (NRSV)

 

48When the Philistine drew nearer to meet David, David ran quickly towards the battle line to meet the Philistine. ⁴⁹David put his hand in his bag, took out a stone, slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead; the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell face down on the ground.

 

1 Samuel 17:48-49 (NRSV)

 

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

 

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)

 

Message: Each generation has its heroes. Some are heroes because of the heroic actions, some are heroes because they “made” it in something. In this particular generation it is often those who make it in sports or the music industry. But when we look at historical figures and Biblical heroes I think it is more about those who catch the vision of something. Today on this Memorial Day we search for identity in the heroes who hoped for our future…Heroes who had a vision for God like those listed in Hebrews 11. And as we think about those heroes and as we search for meaning and Truth in our culture’s practice of looking out on thousands of white crosses on green fields, I hope we are drawn to the only cross that can make a difference for us all….the Cross of Jesus and yes what that cross makes possible for our future and the future of those who have died. Friends, focus on faith here makes all the difference. It allows us to see. When we are driving focusing on the road ahead is so important. Distractions can kill us. 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 a risen Jesus appears risky but a focus on ourselves is actually riskier. The Bible gives us similar instructions in the perfecting of our faith. If we are to stretch ourselves we need to have perseverance that is fueled by a focus on something greater than ourselves. Friends, God is looking for heroes. Christianity is not for cowards. People who will dare to believe what He says and believe about us and not what the world and others say about us. We see it in the life of David and in the Spirit of Caleb and the faith of Abraham. Friends, on this Memorial Day let us not forget the vision of future. It is the maker of heroes.

 

Pray we look for the Hero within. Pray we focus on Jesus. Pray we hear the word of God. Pray we are committed to God’s will. Pray that Jesus perfects our faith. 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 are 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 that our heroes have a focus on God. Pray we have enough courage to challenge the systems of the world. Pray we have the right spirit. Pray we remember the right heroes.

 

Blessings,

 

John Lawson