THE GLORY OF GOD IS THE BADGE OF EVERY TRUE HERO
We may verbally attribute heroism to many people today who display selfless courage and sacrifice, but the moment we search our hearts deeply we realize that they are just inspirations, not ones we desire to emulate. In reality, the true heroes of our hearts are those who have seriously affected and moved us to become a different person. For better or for worse. We have this undeniable longing to imitate them and seek to follow their footsteps, whatever it takes. There is an inner desire to gain their appreciation for becoming like them. The book of Hebrews reveals to us that God had provided a believer with multitudes of noble heroes in human history. They both serve as a “WITNESS” or GREAT EXAMPLES OF FAITH and serve to inspire us to run the race of life with such faithful endurance. These were the FAITHFUL BELIEVERS in history who stood the test, endured, and run the race set by God for them with solid commitment and trust unto Him, no matter what they went through.
HEBREWS 12:1-2
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by SO GREAT A CLOUD OF WITNESSES, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and LET US RUN WITH ENDURANCE THE RACE THAT IS SET BEFORE US.”
The next verse tells who the hero par excellence of every true Christian. He is the One who stands higher above the rest. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself.
Hebrews 12:2-3
“Looking to JESUS, the FOUNDER AND PERFECTER OF OUR FAITH, who for the joy that was set before him ENDURED THE CROSS, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who ENDURED from sinners such hostility against himself, SO THAT YOU MAY NOT GROW WEARY OR FAINTHEARTED.”
Understand this, the true heroes of our faith including the greatest One, the Lord Himself, exemplified lives of ENDURANCE amid oppressive and difficult adversities, but all remained faithful unto God’s will and are passionate for His purpose and glory. God the Father attributed to Jesus the HIGHEST GLORY and demanded all humanity to give Him the HIGHEST HONOR. But the Scriptures tell us the reason why many people will not want to do this. Nor even be interested to conform their lives to this heavenly decree.
John 12:43
“For THEY LOVED THE GLORY THAT COMES FROM MAN MORE THAN THE GLORY THAT COMES FROM GOD.”
The root problem is found deep within the human heart. We want to be honored more than anything else. And we intensely desire to receive that honor from the world. This is the main problem of SIN and UNBELIEF. Every glory for the self, not for God. Glory from the world not from God. Jesus said: “How can you believe, when you RECEIVE GLORY FROM ONE ANOTHER and DO NOT SEEK THE GLORY THAT COMES FROM THE ONLY GOD?” (John 5:44) If we are given the chance to do good, help the needy, sacrifice much, labor for others that may lead to the gratification of an inner non-obvious need to be honored by the world, we will passionately do it. The Lord warned us,
Matthew 6:1-4
“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people IN ORDER TO BE SEEN BY THEM, for then you will have NO REWARD FROM YOUR FATHER WHO IS IN HEAVEN. “ Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, THAT THEY MAY BE PRAISED BY OTHERS. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. AND YOUR FATHER WHO SEES IN SECRET WILL REWARD YOU.
Therefore, many people will not be interested in the salvation offered by Jesus Christ. Because it is BY GRACE. It is offered for those can no longer trust in their own efforts to be accepted by God but will humbly accept the gift of redemption accomplished ONLY and COMPLETELY by Jesus Christ. The result is that ALL GLORY AND HONOR FOR OUR SALVATION BELONGS TO GOD.
EPHESIANS 2:7-9
“So that in the coming ages he might show the IMMEASURABLE RICHES OF HIS GRACE IN KINDNESS TOWARD US IN CHRIST JESUS. FOR BY GRACE YOU HAVE BEEN SAVED THROUGH FAITH. And this is NOT YOUR OWN DOING; it is the gift of God, NOT A RESULT OF WORKS, SO THAT NO ONE MAY BOAST.”
There is NONE that we can CONTRIBUTE for God’s precious gift of grace. God will deserve ALL HONOR AND PRAISE. Those who truly know the Living God have these evidences in their hearts, they seek the GLORY OF GOD more than their own and they deeply love to HONOR THE LORD JESUS. Therefore, a true believer, can both ENDURE whatever trial he faces in this world and only long for GOD’S COMMENDATION OF HIS LIFE, not the world’s. He hopes for the Father’s reward not what that world can provide.
1 CORINTHIANS 4:5
“Therefore, do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and WILL DISCLOSE THE PURPOSES OF THE HEART. THEN EACH ONE WILL RECEIVE HIS COMMENDATION FROM GOD.”
Brethren, I pray that you become a spiritual hero in today’s world, living as a witness for others so that they remain running the race of faith with endurance. Persevering in whatever fiery trial you face out of sincere love for Jesus Christ and seeking only to give glory to God and wanting glory from God alone. Believe this, the world may not recognize your sacrifice and good deeds, the Father does. The world may not commend you for remaining faithful to God despite the sufferings of life, the Father will. The world may think little of your love and passion for the Son, the Father is greatly pleased and will honor you for doing so.
A meaningful Lord’s Day to you my brothers and sisters in the faith