Daily Devotions
The Importance of Heroes
Reading for October 7th: Matthew 13-14
Weekly reading for October 4-10: Hebrews 10-13
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Gunnar Magnuson passed from this life almost 20 years ago (1997), and yet he still motivates me to be a better disciple, husband, and father. He was not flashy. He was a simple man. But he was my grandfather and he profoundly influenced me. Even to this day, when I think of my Papa I am brought to tears.
Heroes matter to us. We all have them. They inspire us. They motivate us to do things we wouldn't normally do. Maybe that's why the Hebrew writer spends forty verses (the longest chapter in Hebrews) to review no less than fourteen men and women of faith (and many more unnamed ones, vs 33-38).
Yes, heroes matter. Even after they die, they still matter to us (Heb 11:4). I've got a long list of heroes like my Papa and most of them are no longer with us. In some ways, they matter even more after their deaths. Jesus, our greatest hero lived on this earth two thousand years ago, and his influence is still making a profound difference in our lives. Indeed, he is the founder (author, source, captain, pioneer, trailblazer) and perfecter of our faith.
Take a moment to think about the five most influential people in your life. Meditate on how their lives have made a difference in yours. Then thank God for them.
Father, thank you for blessing our lives with heroes who make us want to do more and to be better than we are. Thank you for Jesus, the greatest hero of all!
