Only One Hero

Politics is not my strong suit, but I have observed how the public responds to leadership. At first, after the campaign is over and election secured, all hopes are placed in the new hero. However, it does not take long before he stumbles on the pedestal, perhaps even falls headlong off it. Then the public is after his head, crying for a new leader.

In a recent seminary course lecture, the professor pointed out, “There is only one hero.” We’d studied Old Testament history that showed the truth of his statement. Every man, even those appointed by God, failed. David killed a man and took his wife. Although he repented and stayed on the throne, the kingdom started to fall apart. His son, Solomon, was called the wisest man who ever lived, but he failed to follow his own advice and his reign ended badly. His son and grandson and all who ruled after him also failed as leaders.

The one hero is Jesus, yet He was also put down, at least for a time. It was not because of any mistakes He made. In fact, His downfall was partly due to the fact that He was sinless. They hated Him for it, and despised His claim to be God in the flesh. His disciples believed, but their faith was shattered when Jesus was crucified.

Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’” (Matthew 26:31)

The disciples had a false idea of what His perfection meant. They figured He was going to overthrow the Roman government that they hated and set up a kingdom something like their polarized memory of King David’s day when everyone was safe, happy and well-to-do. They did not realize that sin was their worst danger, always at the root of lost joy and peace. They also did not understand that unless their sin was atoned for and forgiven, it didn’t matter how good life was because their afterlife would be hell anyway.

For those reasons, when their Shepherd was struck down, they scattered; their hopes were dashed and they went back to fishing. Jesus said it would happen and it did. They forgot that He also told them, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

Yet when Jesus was put to death, these sheep disciples scattered only once. After the resurrection, they realized that this God-Man was the hero they needed. Even though they had fallen and strayed like sheep, they “returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of their souls” (1 Peter 2:25) and never scattered again.  

We put our faith in people, principles, ideals, even in our own selves. We expect too much or the wrong things and those idols fall off their perch. We become confused or angry and seek a more worthy idol, failing to realize the issue is not with that idol who fell off the pedestal, but with our own selfish desires.

There is only one hero. He never failed, and never will fail. He did crash once, but that was God’s plan. From that magnificent downfall, Jesus rose from the dead and lives forever — always perfect, always looking out for His sheep.

You and I have worshiped other gods. How silly we are. There is only one hero. No one is perfect, only Jesus. 

We are not there yet

Yesterday was a tough day. God has been working on me concerning absolute surrender, pinpointing my lazy places and selfish areas of life, He was affirming that I should not withhold anything from Him. As much as I knew how, I did what He asked, realizing no one knows for sure if anything is absolute until it is tested.

It was tested. My husband’s quarterly blood test report came in on the fax machine. Even though he has few symptoms if any, his numbers keep rising, a solemn reminder of our mortality. I sat down at my desk with the emotions of seeing those numbers and the phone rang. A member of our family called with even worse news about a life-threatening health issue that will be tested by a specialist tomorrow. Absolute surrender is not just about me, but about yielding the lives of those I love.

I feel numb. Who expects surrender to a loving God will result in news that two people I love will be taken away from me? I kept telling myself, this is the nature of life. No matter the route or the means, everyone will die. The death rate in this world is 100%. We are all terminal. While true, and while heaven is a better place, my self-talk isn’t changing my emotions. They also must be surrendered to God.

This morning’s devotional verses put things into an eternal perspective. They are about the saints of old who committed themselves to God, surrendering all to serve the Lord.

They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. (Hebrews 11:37–40)

The author of today’s reading based on those verses was a leader in the early church, a church that was persecuted and in constant danger, something which the church in North American knows very little. He put trials in perspective by pointing out that these ancient believers wandered like exiles and outcasts with no refuge as they looked for places to hide in fear for their lives. I’m not doing that yet.

The passage also tells of a reward, one that they had not yet received but are still waiting for. They died in great tribulation, not giving up but are still waiting for the promise of God to bring them to perfection. So then, why should any of us who are still in the conflict, still battling the enemy and the trials of life, be perplexed or frustrated?

This devotional reminds me that Abraham and the apostle Paul are waiting until I have been perfected so they can receive their reward too. The Lord has told them that unless I am present, He will not give it to them. How dare I be upset that my days are filled with God’s perfecting trials when Abel, Noah, Joshua, Joseph, David, Daniel and a host of others have had trials too, and now wait for me and others who will come after?

This text says “God had provided something better for us” in that no one who trusts Him has the advantage and privilege of being crowned first. “Apart from us they should not be made perfect.” They have endured their conflicts before me, but not received their rewards until we can be honored together, as one Body. The Scriptures indicate that these saints of old even rejoice as they unselfishly watch my walk with Christ. This is incentive for me to surrender to the hand of God in peace and patience.

While pain still pulls and prods at my peace and even my faith, the idea of future glory is a comfort in present distresses. The reminder that the saints of God suffer in this sin-sick world is also a comfort. Christians, we are not alone, not now nor will we be at the judgment seat of Christ. There, together, our trials will be over and we will each be honored for believing in Him. 

Motivation makes a difference

Wikipedia says that the Protestant work ethic, often called the Puritan work ethic, is a concept which emphasizes hard work and diligence as a constant display of a person's salvation in the Christian faith, in contrast to a focus on religious attendance and ceremonial sacraments. Even though he never called it that, my father set an example to his family of this work ethic.

Another website claims that all hard work is based on guilt and that people are stressed at work because of this Puritan work ethic. While this is an interesting observation, I don’t think the fault lies with the Puritans. Rather, it lies with the fact that most people miss the underlying reason why the Puritans were diligent in their work. It was not from guilt or an effort to earn points with God, but to demonstrate that He was in charge of their lives. That is, with Him, motivations change.

To clarify, with Christ in charge of my life, even living in my heart, He changes my attitude toward work. If He was not here and not my Lord and Savior, then I could not have His attitude or find the joy in work that is available to Christian people. I would not even want to be diligent.

And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. But Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” (John 5:16–17)

Jesus worked hard, even in the most humble tasks. He washed feet, healed the sick, listened and cared about people. While His ultimate goals were far greater than these ordinary methods, He never shirked from persistent labor. I often say that God never goes on vacation, and I am thankful for that. I can work or rest, but His care is always diligent and He is always available.

Jesus sets an example for me. He worked, but He also loved what He was doing and loved the people He served. What is missing in many modern workers is this motivation. In many cases, people complain about work because they do not do it for other people or for God. Their goals might include paying the bills and having enough left over for recreation. Workers who love what they do are rare, but just that makes a difference.

I’ve never worked outside the home, but work is work, wherever it is, and whether or not a paycheck comes at the end of it. For me, learning to love my “job” means allowing Jesus be Lord of my life. He is a homemaker (He is busy right now preparing a place for me, John 14:2). He is also leader of a family (and so often His children are brats) and an organizer of events to such a degree I cannot imagine it. He has all I need to help me not only love my job but do it well and do it for others because I love those whom I serve.

Jesus also had balance in His life. On more than one occasion, the Bible tells of Him being asleep, even during a storm. He sets an example in work and in rest, in worship and in responding to the voice of God. He knew that God didn’t take the Sabbath off, but kept working for the good of humanity. He also knew when His body needed to rest so He rested, giving Him renewed energy for obedience and work.

Motivated by Jesus is much different than being motivated by guilt, money or necessity. Jesus makes work a delight rather than a stressful and despised activity. He even promised the weary and heavily burdened that they would find in Him rest and a lighter load.

As I look at my to-do list for the day, I am already praying for His grace and help, and that I can practice what I preach!

Heaven is like…

I’m one of those results-oriented people. That is, if I cannot see any response or positive outcome, then I’m less inclined to continue. Learning how to persevere in obedience, regardless of visible results, is a tough lesson for me.

Today’s devotional reading begins with this verse again:

In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? (John 14:2)

However, the author of the reading takes off in a rewards mode. He says that palaces on earth are built with some rooms greater and more costly than others. That is, one might be the king’s chamber, another for his heir to the crown, others for other children, their attendants and officers in the household, and still others for the servants.

He says Solomon’s temple was filled with rooms of different degrees too, such as the holy of holies where the high priest alone might enter, the holy place, where the other priests might enter, the inner court for the Levites to live and do their duties, plus the court of Israel and the court of the Gentiles.

He goes on to say that in a spiritual sense, people will have different degrees of honor and glory in heaven, and some will dwell nearer the throne than others. Some will be next to Christ. Does this mean the rooms He is preparing are of various degrees of honor? Is this about different activities like it is here where He sets people in His Body, the church as it pleases Him —one is the eye, another the ear, another the head, and so on?

My first thought was that if this is true, I will be on the outer fringes and with about the same status as my little toe. Many others have achieved much more for God. But then other verses came to mind…

And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God. And behold, some are last who will be first, and some are first who will be last.” (Luke 13:29–30)

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. (1 Corinthians 12:21–25)

God’s value system is not the same as ours. We tend to lift up those who are honorable here on earth, who accomplish great things. While they should be respected, many Scriptures talk of how Jesus honored the weak and despised. He isn’t interested in an earthly show of godliness either and even said that His Father rewards good deeds done in secret! (Matthew 6:6, etc.)

Thinking these things upset my earlier thoughts, not that I now figure I will be close to Jesus and those far more mature and godly will be farther away, but I’ve concluded we cannot possibly know these things. We dare not add our ideas of what is grand or who is to be rewarded to the simple promise of Jesus to His confused disciples. He told them God made a heavenly dwelling place for His people and that He was going on ahead to get it ready for them.

This means no speculation about my position in the palace, only humble gratitude that I will be there and total obedience until He arranges that final move. I like surprises and I’m content to let this be one of them.

Many rooms and house cleaning

The idea of “many rooms” puts images in my head. I think of an office full of cubicles, or a building full of offices, or even West Edmonton Mall with more than 800 stores. This also reminds me of a large mansion like the Biltmore house with 250 rooms, yet from what I know about the size of the family of God, these are small numbers compared to the dwelling places in heaven.

In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? (John 14:2)

This should encourage all who are afraid concerning their eternal resting place. The Lord says, “Whosoever will may come…” and He is making certain there is accommodation for all. He is preparing many rooms and created heaven as an everlasting dwelling for all who love and follow Him. This is a vast multitude. Some say tens of thousands in East Asia are coming to Christ each day. This makes my images of mansions puny compared to what He is building for His people.

Thinking back, these words were first spoken to disciples who were poor, sinful people. I wonder what they thought when they heard it. What could they imagine from “many rooms”? Did they have any inkling of what their small band would become? Did they have a clue that one day we would live in God’s many rooms, rooms enough for millions of His children?

Knowing something about the heart of God, I’m sure there will be sufficient and suitable accommodations for all sorts of persons as well. People from every nation, condition and circumstance, great sinners and moral people, weak and strong, babes in Christ and those more mature will have an eternal home. As today’s devotional reading says, there is in heaven enough for the happiness of everyone who hearkens to the call of the gospel.

For those, there are two promises regarding a dwelling place. Heaven is the eternal result for those who believe in Jesus Christ, but there is more. In doing a simple Greek word search, I discovered that this verse uses the same word as the one translated, “rooms”….

Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. (John 14:23)

The Father and the Son, also the Holy Spirit are looking for many rooms in many hearts, yet this is a personal invitation to anyone and a statement about what happens to those who love and obey Jesus: That person is loved by God and becomes a room, an abiding place, a home for Him!

Now how is all this practical? I think of the many rooms that I have been in and how they affected my life. I also think about the many people I’ve met and know, and how each one affects my thoughts and actions. This verse about God making His home in me must be taken literally. When I let that impact me, then I cannot go anywhere or be with anyone without being aware that I am the dwelling place of God. That changes my life and so it should.

I’m also convicted that Jesus is preparing a place for me, but what kind of place have I prepared and maintained for Him? He lives here in my heart! Without trivializing this astonishing reality, it definitely makes me want to take out the garbage, clean up the clutter, polish the remaining contents, and freely offer them to His use.