Monday, May 7, 2012

Heroes of the Faith

The Bible tells that Abraham believed, and it was counted unto Him as righteousness. His journey from a faltering faith to a justified faith was not an easy one. He followed God's direction to leave his home country, journey to a faraway land, and even to sacrifice his only son on the altar, though God spared Isaac and gave another sacrifice. Abraham's life is rich with lessons of faith.

The story of the Lion's Den is well known, but there is more to Daniel than just the Lion's Den. Daniel's life was a life of steadfast obedience to God, no matter the consequences. His rock-solid faith, his noble leadership, his courageous example, and the way God used him provide instruction for us today.

The Bible calls David a Man After God's Own Heart. What does a man after God's own heart look like? What does he say? What does he do? Does he sin? The life of David provides a fascinating perspective on God's dealing with a nation, a covenant, and a man. Yes, David sinned. But yes, God forgives...and still forgives today. Besides the striking message of David's life we have the record of dozens of psalms which he wrote.

When Joseph's brothers cruelly sold him as a slave to traveling merchant, they had no idea that God would take their unkindness and turn it into one of the most unlikely rags-to-riches stories of all time. Yet that is precisely what happened. But the story of Joseph is not just a rags-to-riches story or a fascinating coincidence. It is the message of a Sovereign God, who orders history as He sees fit. It is a picture of the coming King, King Jesus, who would deliver His people from the bondage of sin.

From royal child to Israelite leader, the life of Moses is the story of a pivotal event--the most important event--in the history of the nation of Israel. Though he feared, God gave him courage. Though he was angry, God gave him tender responses. Though he was timid, God gave him boldness. Though he was confused, God gave him wisdom. The same man who penned the first five books of our Bible also led Israel out of Egypt, led them across the Red Sea, and received the Ten Commandments from God. His life is full of powerful lessons for Christians today.