Heart Healthy - Pt 5

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible. (Hebrews 11:1-3 ESV).

The heroes of the faith, both past and present, are essential in creating a strong heart. Not only does the writer of Hebrews tell us where grace is prepared, namely at the altar of the cross, he also tell us how to keep faith in grace continuing to strengthen us. He says, "Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:7). This writer really believed in the importance of heroes and models and biography. In fact, he devotes the entire eleventh chapter to some of these. Not only should we remember that we have an altar where we can find grace every day, but we should also remember people who trusted that grace and loved and spoke to us the word of God. Remember them. Know some history, perhaps just your parents lives, or your grandparents, or a pastor or a missionary. Or, even better know these familiar ones, and then go to the wonderful biographies that tell the stories of those who were leaders in the church and who spoke the word of God. I was once told that it is not important to quote the source of some particular explanation or basis for a truth. It is more than my desire to be accurate. It’s because God said to “remember those who led you and spoke the word of God to you.” So, people like Luther, Calvin, Edwards, Brainerd, Spurgeon, Machen, and Lloyd-Jones are much more than just interesting, they are inspirational. Further, God says to look at the result or outcome of their conduct. I think it means we are to look at the whole course of their life, especially the end of it. How did they run? Did they hold fast till the end? Did they finish well? Did they do what this whole letter of Hebrews is written to help us do - persevere to the end and be saved? This is why dead heroes are more impactful than living heroes. Living heroes are important, but they might cease to be heroes before they die. They might let you down. Rather, he says, "remember" - that's a word that reaches into the past. Remember those whose conduct you can survey from beginning to end, and consider all of it - especially how it ended. Find strength in their example.