Posted on 09/13/2005 11:27:23 AM PDT by TChris
The Hero
A hero considers of the needs of others above his own.
He will go without so that he may give more to someone else.
He will endanger his own life to save another.
He will endure great suffering to spare another from it.
His example is one that inspires others to be better than they were.
He lives a life worthy of emulation; walks a path worth following.
He rejoices in the safety, happiness and liberty of others.
He is the protector, the defender, the rescuer.
He rescues those who are stranded or lost, even when they got where they are by their own foolishness.
He will pay the debts of another; bear the burdens of the weak for them.
He loves, caring perhaps most tenderly for those who need him most.
He gives generously, even to those who haven't earned it.
In all these descriptions, and there are certainly more which could be added, every hero and his acts are but echoes of the ultimate Hero and His acts. Jesus Christ is the One who fulfilled every definition and dimension of heroism to perfection. He is the One every other hero emulates in his time of greatness. He is the One to whom every member of the human family owes the deepest gratitude and honor.
During His mortal ministry, the Master frequently reached out to others in kindness, service and love. He had compassion on those who suffered, and worked to relieve that suffering. Perhaps more urgently than healing the crippled and wounded bodies of those whom He loved, He taught and persuaded men to come unto Him and be healed of unseen wounds and crippled hearts.
The Savior placed Himself between the sinner and the powers of Hell, defeating Satan and all his hosts to save each of us from destruction. He did it alone. The full and total victory is His. He willingly sacrificed his very life that we might live. Not only in death did He give his life, but he gave every minute of every day that he lived on this earth. Every moment was service; every breath, teaching.
His teaching was something new, the Gospel. In place of vengeance, forgiveness. In place of pride, humility. In place of anger, love. In place of selfishness, service. The example he both set and taught is a high standard. "Be ye therefore perfect." is the goal He has set, excusing no mediocrity nor casual commitment. Walk in His footsteps, He beckons, that you may know Him and become more like Him.
Our Lord bears our burdens. He has descended below all things, learning by painful, personal experience the minute details of every human suffering and weakness, that He might be the perfect rescuer. His compassion is limitless; His love boundless. He calls to all who will listen to lay down their heavy burden of sin, taking instead His easy burden of light.
As we rightfully revere and give thanks for the example and actions of mortal heroes in our lives, may we even more deeply revere and give thanks for Him who is our Savior and Redeemer. He is the greatest and truest Hero. All heroes who have lived before and after have but briefly walked in His footsteps. When someone does that, they are blessed with a brief taste of the fullness of joy in which the Almighty dwells. May we each find opportunities daily to walk a few steps on His path. May more of our steps follow His as we grow.
(Note: My apologies to any who are upset at my choice of the masculine pronoun for this writing. My intention is to apply it generically, encompassing all of the human family with it, as I humbly recognize the monumental contributions of heroic mothers and daughters throughout time.)
THank you for this wonderful page.
I'm glad you found it beneficial. If these thoughts have lifted even one person, then it was time well spent.
Yes I needed something very uplifing after I have dealt with some really rude people. I am sure you have heard bout the sign my pastor put up if not check out thread.
www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1481935
They have been not so uplifting.
Again thanks.
Is that the story about the sign that chastised New Orleans for its rampant lewdness, etc.?
Yes it was. But I am still able to access it.
Yes it was. But I am still able to access it.
Maybe it's just in your browser's cache.
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