Friday 07 December 2007
- Bible Book:
- Hebrews
"Who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight." (v.33-34)
Background
The writer to the Hebrews recounts the many faithful people ofGod - those who never saw the promise of Jesus fulfilled, butremained true no matter what happened to them; a mix of situationsfrom the miraculous to torture and death. This verse recounts thetriumphs and acquisitions, yet the following verses recountdifficulties and deprivations. Perhaps my text should have been thefollowing verse?
Many of this week's readings have recounted the difficulties thatGod's people have at times faced. Noah may have been saved from theflood, but locked away on that ark with those animals for a yearcan hardly have been a party. They must have wondered whether theywould ever see normal life again.
The disciples were given the promise of the second coming perhapspartly as a way for them to hold on to the promise, as Christ didnot want his disciples to despair and give up. We see thatimmediately after his death there was temptation to.
We are each called to our task for the kingdom here on earth and toprepare it for the second coming. But we have to examine that calland ensure that we are not selective in how we work, but remainfaithful to God's promises. Living a Christian life may not alwaysbe a bed of roses, but our faith is the key.
To Ponder
In the Christian life, who are your heroes? Whohas inspired you by their faith?