Good Morning Friends,
Today’s lectionary text remembers Biblical heroes, some of whom sacrificed their lives and others who survived many of life’s battles. We look up to these heroes for they do things we think we cannot do. Sometimes they walk on water, but at other times they do very practical daily service. Unfortunately, we are people of too little faith…too little goodness. People look up to heroes like some look up to sports stars and athletes, and others look up to musicians and movie stars and maybe a little like we look at fictional super heroes not realizing there is a hero in each of us. There is a spirit of excitement waiting for us. You see, God’s heroes were rarely men and women of extraordinary ability or talent. They were men and women of extraordinary faith, at least at times. 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 for those core priorities of life. We see it in the military but also in the work of first responders to incidents of violence. So, as we contemplate the practicality of faith, we ask this question: Do We Put Our Heroes Of Faith On A Pedestal Or Embrace Their Tenacity In The Midst Of Real Life?
Scripture: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By 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. By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain’s. Through this he received approval as righteous, God himself giving approval to his gifts; he died, but through his faith he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken so that he did not experience death; and “he was not found, because God had taken him.” For it was attested before he was taken away that “he had pleased God.” And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. By faith Noah, warned by God about events as yet unseen, respected the warning and built an ark to save his household; by this he condemned the world and became an heir to the righteousness that is in accordance with faith. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, “as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.” All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son, of whom he had been told, “It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you.” He considered the fact that God is able even to raise someone from the dead—and figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.
Hebrews 11:1-19 (NRSV)
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves. “But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.” Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for everyone?” And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and prudent manager whom his master will put in charge of his slaves, to give them their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions. But if that slave says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and if he begins to beat the other slaves, men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know, and will cut him in pieces, and put him with the unfaithful. That slave who knew what his master wanted, but did not prepare himself or do what was wanted, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know and did what deserved a beating will receive a light beating. From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.
Luke 12:32-48 (NRSV)
Message: Each generation has its heroes. Some are heroes because of their heroic actions, some are heroes because they “made” it in something. In this 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 service. Today 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 the heroes of first responders to tragic shootings, 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 whether they were heroes or not. Friends, a 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, a Jesus who will come again appears risky but a focus on anything else is 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. The Church needs people who will dare to believe what God says. The Church needs people who have the faith to believe. We see it in the life of David and in the Spirit of Caleb and the faith of Abraham. And we see it in Peter when he walked on water. Friends, as schools go back in session next week let us not forget the vision of future. Be in service to the kingdom of God. Here God becomes the maker of heroes sowing seeds of faith in the face of violence.
And So, we are to trust in God and not be afraid. We are to find the hero in each of us through Christ who strengthens us. For if we are not living expecting the miracle of Christ we may well be focused on the wrong things and worrying too much about the wrong things. The thing is that faith is a matter of the heart and either it is set on the right things or it too misses the point. For the heart as with faith will eventually be revealed as being generous or mean-spirited…fearful or faithful. Here we might fight the growing culture of fear and become more generous and faithful in service to those in need. Hording is after all in opposition to faith. The answer lies in where our treasure is and our hearts. The principle is the same for all of us. Giving to those in need reveals the heart of faith and the heart of real heroes. This lesson is for those who care for other people in church, whether in leadership or not is this: Christ is returning. Be ready. Be a hero.
Pray we look for the Hero within. Pray we focus on Jesus. Pray we have a generous heart for the poor and those in need. Pray we realize that the coming of Jesus is reflected in the needs of the poor. Pray we hear this 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 have the heart of heroes of faith in service to the kingdom.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Good Morning Friends,
Today’s lectionary text remembers Biblical heroes, some of whom sacrificed their lives and others who survived many of life’s battles. We look up to these heroes for they do things we think we cannot do. Sometimes they walk on water, but at other times they do very practical daily service. Unfortunately, we are people of too little faith…too little goodness. People look up to heroes like some look up to sports stars and athletes, and others look up to musicians and movie stars and maybe a little like we look at fictional super heroes not realizing there is a hero in each of us. There is a spirit of excitement waiting for us. You see, God’s heroes were rarely men and women of extraordinary ability or talent. They were men and women of extraordinary faith, at least at times. 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 for those core priorities of life. We see it in the military but also in the work of first responders to incidents of violence. So, as we contemplate the practicality of faith, we ask this question: Do We Put Our Heroes Of Faith On A Pedestal Or Embrace Their Tenacity In The Midst Of Real Life?
Scripture: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By 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. By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain’s. Through this he received approval as righteous, God himself giving approval to his gifts; he died, but through his faith he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken so that he did not experience death; and “he was not found, because God had taken him.” For it was attested before he was taken away that “he had pleased God.” And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. By faith Noah, warned by God about events as yet unseen, respected the warning and built an ark to save his household; by this he condemned the world and became an heir to the righteousness that is in accordance with faith. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, “as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.” All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them. By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son, of whom he had been told, “It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you.” He considered the fact that God is able even to raise someone from the dead—and figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.
Hebrews 11:1-19 (NRSV)
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves. “But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.” Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for everyone?” And the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and prudent manager whom his master will put in charge of his slaves, to give them their allowance of food at the proper time? Blessed is that slave whom his master will find at work when he arrives. Truly I tell you, he will put that one in charge of all his possessions. But if that slave says to himself, ‘My master is delayed in coming,’ and if he begins to beat the other slaves, men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that slave will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour that he does not know, and will cut him in pieces, and put him with the unfaithful. That slave who knew what his master wanted, but did not prepare himself or do what was wanted, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know and did what deserved a beating will receive a light beating. From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded.
Luke 12:32-48 (NRSV)
Message: Each generation has its heroes. Some are heroes because of their heroic actions, some are heroes because they “made” it in something. In this 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 service. Today 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 the heroes of first responders to tragic shootings, 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 whether they were heroes or not. Friends, a 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, a Jesus who will come again appears risky but a focus on anything else is 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. The Church needs people who will dare to believe what God says. The Church needs people who have the faith to believe. We see it in the life of David and in the Spirit of Caleb and the faith of Abraham. And we see it in Peter when he walked on water. Friends, as schools go back in session next week let us not forget the vision of future. Be in service to the kingdom of God. Here God becomes the maker of heroes sowing seeds of faith in the face of violence.
And So, we are to trust in God and not be afraid. We are to find the hero in each of us through Christ who strengthens us. For if we are not living expecting the miracle of Christ we may well be focused on the wrong things and worrying too much about the wrong things. The thing is that faith is a matter of the heart and either it is set on the right things or it too misses the point. For the heart as with faith will eventually be revealed as being generous or mean-spirited…fearful or faithful. Here we might fight the growing culture of fear and become more generous and faithful in service to those in need. Hording is after all in opposition to faith. The answer lies in where our treasure is and our hearts. The principle is the same for all of us. Giving to those in need reveals the heart of faith and the heart of real heroes. This lesson is for those who care for other people in church, whether in leadership or not is this: Christ is returning. Be ready. Be a hero.
Pray we look for the Hero within. Pray we focus on Jesus. Pray we have a generous heart for the poor and those in need. Pray we realize that the coming of Jesus is reflected in the needs of the poor. Pray we hear this 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 have the heart of heroes of faith in service to the kingdom.
Blessings,
John Lawson
Daily Devotionals 