Sunday, June 2, 2024

Were It Not For Heroes

As I ponder the National Holiday of Memorial Day, that we celebrated last Monday, I am reminded of loved ones, my heroes, that have passed and gone on to their reward in heaven.  The influence and legacy they left are very pronounced in forming the traits I have today.  The role they played certainly impacted my character and helped shape it.

As a nation, the United Stated is infused in liberty and has her heroes to thank for the freedom we enjoy.  Military personnel gave their lives for our independence and sovereignty.  They deserve respect and recognition for their heroism as they faced uncertainty and danger.

Our heroes did not die in vain when they faced the perils of keeping the peace and fighting in wars.  Americans are free to worship God as they desire without fear of being imprisoned or killed for their faith.

Conflicts of any kind can produce feelings of angst in the hearts of Peacekeepers.  Troops face risk with readiness and bravery, because of the training received in bootcamp and personal experience in combat. They have determination to accomplish an objective, which produces endurance and the hope of success.

I am prompted to remember, also, the twelve disciples that followed Jesus as He taught them how to become fishers of men.  I believe their goal was twofold…to be more like Jesus and spread the Good News to the world about God’s kingdom.

When facing danger and harsh criticism for their faith, they put aside fear and conquered it by doing—doing the Lord’s work.  Each disciple did this without compromise, knowing that the freedom of man’s soul, through Christ, was more important than their own safety, even if it meant giving their life for the cause of liberty and the forgiveness of sin. 

They had hope that their objective would, through God Almighty, be accomplished.  I believe they had faith in the knowledge that to be absent from this body was to be present with the Lord.  This understanding transmitted into bravery, which cast fear from them.

Prior to Jesus being crucified for the sins of humanity, He told the disciples that He was leaving them to prepare a place that where He was, they would be there also.  A wonderful hope indeed!  Think about it!  Heaven, where there will be no more pain or fighting battles of any kind.

The Bible tells us that the Apostle Peter, the leader of the twelve disciples of Jesus, was crucified upside down, because he felt unworthy to be martyred in the same fashion as his Lord, Jesus.

Where did he find the strength to face death in this manner?  His belief in the teachings of Jesus exceeded his fear of death because the Spirit of God dwelled within him.  This happened on the Day of Pentecost when 120 Believers were filled with the Spirit as they waited in an upper room to be empowered from heaven.  They were made perfect in love as God’s Spirit fell on each one.

(1 John 4:18) “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.  But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

All the disciples, except for John the Beloved, were martyred for the cause of freedom in Christ that they were witnessing to others about.  These heroes of the faith wanted God’s kingdom to be experienced by all, through Jesus the Lord.

I am thankful for the freedom I have in the United States of America because of heroes that gave their all, from our military branches.  I am full of gratitude that I have the freedom to worship as I please and share my faith with others without fear of retaliation by lost souls needing the Savior.

Were it not for heroes of the faith working together for the good of mankind, having one common goal of saving souls, the early church would not have existed.  But the power of God was with them as they touched lives.  The early church was born. 

We have their example and legacy to look back on, which gives me strength in knowing that I have a bigger power working within me to battle against the darkness of this world.

The power of God was with the early church as they touched lives with the message that God forgives sin through His Son, Jesus.   We can have that same power working in us, today, as we too become heroes of the faith.

The definition of hero: “A person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities who was an inspiration to others.”

Jesus is all the above and more.  I can come boldly to God through Him because I am a child of God.  He shed His blood for you and me, making Him my hero.  Allow Jesus to bring total freedom to you.  I want the Lord to be your hero also. 

 

Written by,

Papa Boyd

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