Thought for Today
Genesis 6:4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days-- and also afterward-- when the sons of God went in to the daughters of humans, who bore children to them. These were the heroes that were of old, warriors of renown.
Jeremiah 48:14 How can you say, "We are heroes and mighty warriors"?
Matthew 21:37 Finally he sent his son to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.'
Titus 2:7 Show yourself in all respects a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, gravity,
In March, I asked, “Who are your heroes? Do you have any superheroes?” The words hero and heroes do appear in the Bible. “The term ‘superhero’ originated around 1917 . . . “ (Bing Search) Superhero does not appear in the Bible. Once again this morning, I’m thinking about heroes.
As a young boy, I had heroes associated with various of the Old Testament narratives. I was fascinated by the tales of Sampson, of Gideon, Daneil and other heroes. Slaying lions or walking unscathed through furnaces certainly seemed like meeting the qualifications of being a hero. Later, as I grew and matured, other names were added to that biblical list: David, Deborah and Barak, Joshua and Caleb and others.
As a Christian, Jesus certainly exceeds the qualifications to be a superhero; but, Jesus is much more than that. There are other heroes in the New Testament: Peter, James, John, Paul all would make my list of heroes. Who are your heroes? Why?
A hero is defined as “1a: a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability; b: an illustrious warrior or soldier; c: a person who shows great courage; d: a person admired for achievements and noble qualities . . . “ (www.mrrriam-webster.com)
As a Texan, I have other heroes. General Sam Houston, Juan Seguin, Dave Bowie, Davy Crocket and others figured prominently in the history of the Republic of Texas. I have visited the Alamo and read the names of the heroes who died there. I have visited the San Jacinto Monument and toured the Battleship Texas.
Maybe most importantly for me today, I have faith heroes. The list does include all of those Old and New Testament heroes. To that list have been added the prominent figures of the Protestant Reformation. In seminary, I learned about heroes like Martin Luther, John Calvin, Huldrych Zwingli, Jan Hus and others. Men of deep faith and love. Men who challenged common beliefs and authority. Men who reformed Christianity and initiated the Protestant movement. I also studied under professors who have become modern day heroes for me. Men and women who inspired me, mentored me and who continue to influence my ministry today. If you follow these writings, you have read my quoting Dietrich Bonhoeffer. His life and death certainly qualify him as a hero based on those last 2 entries of the definition.
Who are your heroes? Why? Are there people on our national scene you consider heroes? International figures you consider heroes?
This morning, I am especially thinking about the countless ‘silent heroes’ surrounding us all every day. Today is a very active, busy day at the First Parish Community Food Pantry. For me, everyone who donates, volunteers or otherwise supports that food pantry is a hero. Likewise, I believe there are countless other ‘silent heroes’ all around our nation, battling food insecurity.
Being a hero is not about headlines in the newspapers or being named in the lead story of the television network evening news. Being a hero is not about slaying enemies, winning medals or garnering public attention. The real heroes in our world certainly include persons who show great courage, persons who are admired for achievements and noble qualities. But, any list of real heroes must include all of those ‘silent heroes,’ all those who quietly and calmly go about their daily lives without slaying, without medals. All of the parents who work tirelessly to provide for and teach their children. All those who work to improve the lives of those less fortunate.
Certainly, as a Christian, Jesus is my primary exemplar of a hero. When John’s disciples asked Jesus whether he was the Messiah, Jesus did not self-proclaim his qualifications. Instead, Jesus told them to tell John what they saw happening in Jesus’ ministry. Jesus is still improving the lives of all who will listen and believe.
Stay safe, thank your heroes, trust God,
Pastor Ray