This week we wrapped up our series on HEROES: are you on the list and we looked at modern heroes of the faith (martyrs).
Hebrews Chapter 12 speaks of a "Great crowd of witeness" that are in heaven cheering us on. (Imagine a stadium filled with Abraham, Issac, Moses, Noah and other Bible greats.) Often we invision their stand of faith and how God showed up to save them and save the day. Yet one of the most challenging things about this hero crowd and modern day heroes is that God may not save you from harm. He may not show up and save the day.
I find that so challenging! I am solid enough in my faith to pay the price as Jesus follower... "even if" he does show up as Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego declared in Daniel Chapter 3:18. Here they are facing a furance heated up 7 times that of normal! Man the King mad at these three, and their faith because they won't conform and bow dow to his statue and him.
Yet, the refuse to worship anything other that God. They refuse to waver in their public stand as children of the real king.
Yes, they hoped, prayed and even expected God to protect and help them. But they also stated, "for the record"... even if he doesn't save us we'll not doubt our God.
Bam their thrown in the fire... expecting death! And they were fine with that... just as countless modern martyrs still do today. The only way to accept the "even if" option of faith is to so secure in your faith, salvation, future in Jesus Christ and you have to have already died to this world. If you've already died to this world.... physical death is nothing to fear.
Yesterday three people got baptized at Journey. Three people publically committed to follow Jesus no matter the cost.
They committed tp follow, not wavier...."even if."
What if they are modern day Shadrach, Meshach and Abedego's in the making?
Accept, believe, receive, follow, risk, and never wavier... even if happens in your life (my life) because their is a great crowd of witnesses cheering you and I on. By the way.... they maybe saving a seat for you. Are you on the list?
Monday, March 26, 2007
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