Heavenly Heroes

11-27-2010

Heavenly Heroes by Boyd Bailey


“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1

Past heroes inspire us to live life to its fullest. Some endured hardships or were treated unfairly. Others were denied earthly wealth, only to receive heaven’s riches. But their hardships now inspire us through our own current tests and temporary trials. Most of us have not had to suffer a near death experience because of our faith in Christ. But some have.

Heroes of the faith knew a better way. They held true to their faith in God and remained obedient to His expectations. No temptation of the world was strong enough to pull them away from the moorings of their walk with God. With some, even on their deathbeds, there was an uncharacteristic unselfishness and generosity.

Heavenly heroes do not languish without hope on the eve of their homegoing. Instead, they are busy bestowing blessings to those who will be left behind. These heroes of the faith have a heavenly eye on worship, while they quietly wind down for the conclusion of their earthly assignment. “Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints” (Psalm 116:15).

Look for the heavenly heroes among your own ancestors. You may be surprised to discover the faith of former generations who were robust and alive. Or, you may need to adopt one of heaven’s saints who was one of God’s heroes. Let them motivate you to live a life worthy of God’s calling. Let their past faithfulness propel you to do the same in this present age.

We all need heroes who have overcome adversity by their faith in God, and those who know how to enjoy Him whether in difficult times or peaceful times. Your heavenly hero may be a godly grandparent who walked faithfully with the Lord. You may have watched them persevere through adverse conditions, but they kept a relationship with God that flourished and grew, up to the very end of their lives. Money was never an issue with them because they learned to be content with a home, food, and clothing. Relationships are what mattered the most to them. They always seemed to have had time for you. Their telephone conversations never seemed rushed and their door was always open. In their presence there was a serenity and a stability that had heaven as its origin. You felt you experienced a little bit of heaven every time they graced your presence.

Now is the time to allow the death of your heaven-bound hero to have even more impact on your life. Let their going home galvanize your faith. They remained faithful to the end, even though they did not receive their full reward in this life. Their life of perseverance with God is a tremendous motivation for you to do the same.

You worship Christ, but you can still let your heavenly hero influence your deeper walk with Him. Your hero may be dead, but remember their words of encouragement, and become more secure and confident in Jesus. Ask God to engraft their passion for His word into your heart and mind.

Your heroes were bigger than life, but your greatest hero is Jesus. Be encouraged to remain true to the faith by these lesser ones who now reside in heaven because one day, you may very well be someone else’s hero.