Living Up to Faith Heroes, Part 2

[Continued, catch up on Part 1 here]

Wow—now that is the stuff comics and movies are made of, right? But biblical superheroes did even more!

“Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 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.”

Hmm… no capes, no million-dollar mansions to live in, no parades? Why did they do this? Because they were commended through their faith, and even so, they did not receive rewards in this life (39).

In the church today, are there any superheroes on par with these men and women in Hebrews? Consider the many modern martyrs of the faith, or those taking their faith to the lost in the jungles of Africa, the deserts of the Middle East, the streets of our cities. These men and women bring more than hope for today, but hope for all eternity through faith in Jesus Christ. When we consider what Christ has done for us and what He has provided us with our material wealth, are we not only using that wealth to properly care for our families, but also using it to provide for the living superheroes of our faith? Many of these missionaries and ministries are provided for through our churches and community ministries. At Ambassador Advisors, the nonprofits we work with serve individuals and their practical needs today, but beyond “saving the day,” they offer the eternal hope of the gospel. These ministries equip believers to reach the world of the lost and transform hearts for Jesus Christ through many tools and techniques. Some use music, others radio ministry, others addiction recovery, some distribute scripture in diverse cultures, some operate at colleges and universities—the list goes on and on.

The true Superhero (with the big “S”) is Jesus Christ. He gives us the privilege of being in His family and serving Him—and the opportunity to become superheroes of the faith ourselves. We don’t want the fanfare, though; we point the world to the true Superhero, saying, like John the Baptist, “Jesus must become greater, I must become less” (John 3:30).

I challenge each of us to use the resources God has blessed us with for this purpose from Hebrews 13: 14-16: “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. Through Him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

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