Growth

An Altared Life

Often when reading the Old Testament, there is a lot that doesn’t make sense to our modern mindsets. We read about genealogies, and ritualistic laws and wonder what they have to do with our salvation in Christ. It’s easy to gloss over them; to think that the fact that we live under the New Covenant means that the old one doesn’t matter. However, we do this at our peril because the New Covenant is often explained and articulated in light of the old covenant’s terms and traditions.

One such thing that may catch us off guard as we read the books of the laws and prophets is the number and frequency of the sacrificies that were made. The regular reminder of the Israelites’ sins and the atonenment that would be provided through their (and our) Messiah may now seem inconsequential. What was future looking for them, is now done and accomplished for us.  However, as with many things, Scripture uses this old convenant imagery to help us understand how we should live in light of the ultimate sacrifice that our Savior made.  Romans 12:1 says that we should “offer [our] bodies as a living sacrifice.” Throughout his epistles, Paul writes that he is being “poured out like a drink offering.” (Phil. 2:17; 2 Tim. 4:6)  In other words, because of the ultimate sacrifice, our lives are now offered to God, we are dead to ourselves, just like the animals that were set abalze.

However, we need to remember that the place that the animals were offered, the altar, had another purpose as well. The altar was not only the place where sacrifices were made, but they were the reminder of God’s faithfulness and provisions. They were testaments to the work that God had done and the places that He had brought His people from. Simiarily, our lives should be ablaze with the evidence of what God has done in them. When people look at us they should see the changes that could only come through the refining fire of His hands. We should be a light to the world, not only in delivering the Good News, but in glorifying God through our lives.  Just like the altars of old, our lives should put God on display.

May we do so. May our lives not just be a living sacrifice, but may they may a testament to the great God Who we serve.

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Relationships

Holding Out for a Hero

When I was very young, there was a popular song recorded by Bonnie Tyler and featured in the movie Footloose which proclaimed her desire for a a more-than-ordinary beau [affiliate link]. I have no idea how I learned the words to the song since it was released before I was really aware of pop music, but they went like this:

I need a hero

I’m holding on for a hero until the end of the night.

He’s got to be fast, and he’s got to be strong, and he’s got to be fresh from the fight.

I need a hero.

I’m holding out for a hero until the morning light.

He’s gotta  be sure. And it’s gotta be soon. And he’s got to be larger than life.


What the writer of this song captures is the persistent and prolonged longing of a girl’s heart; just like in the fairy tales, we’re waiting for the prince to sweep in and save the day.

However, what the song incorrectly articulates is the characteristics that we should be looking for in our hero. After all, leaping buildings in a single bound and the ability to conquer foes isn’t what we really need in our spouse.  What we need is someone who meets the qualifications of a hero as characterized in the Bible, and when you think of the people who are considered “heroes of the faith” they are called so because of who they are in their relationship with God.

So, what should a spiritual hero look like? Here are just three things:

1) Strong in the Lord – It’s not uncommon for a superhero to have uncharacteristic strength, however, for the spiritual superhero, this strength is not found in himself. The hero you’re holding out for should be someone who is strong in the Lord, who relies on Him to conquer the problems, and who is “building his muscles” through a regular and disciplined regimen of learning from God’s Word and devoting himself to prayer.

2) Protects and defends – Superheros are known for protecting the innocent and taking up their cause against the evil forces in the world. In the same way,  the spiritual hero you’re waiting for should be intent on protecting and defending you – not only from the physical harm that may befall you – but from the spiritual treachery of evil forces as well. Find a spouse who cares about how you are growing in Christ; who is diligent about making sure that you are shielded from temptation and who lifts you up in prayer to defend you against Satan’s attacks. This is someone who is appropriately worthy of admiration.

3) Puts others needs first – Superman had Metropolis, Batman had Gotham, and other comic book superheros have their community that they’re responsible for. And while being a superhero assuredly comes with lots of glory, it also is a very sacrificial gig. You have to be available at a moment’s notice to go to the people who need you, and you give up the rights to “your life” in order to perform your duties. In a similar way, look for a spiritual superhero spouse who is so committed to doing what God has called him that he no longer considers his life, his own. Find someone who puts others needs before his own; who cares more about giving then he does about getting. In doing so, he is rightfully following both the first, and the second,  greatest commands of his Savior

I’m very grateful that God brought me my own spiritual hero in the form of my wonderful hubby and that He gave me a dad who showed me what a spiritual hero looks like. If He hasn’t brought yours to you yet, I hope you’re holding out for a hero too!

Author’s Note: The whole time I was writing this, I was thinking of the lovely ladies at my church’s young adult ministry, especially of the fantastic young women in my small group who graciously let me hang out with them each week. To all  you, thanks for letting me learn from you and for the privilege it is to explore God’s Word with you. I’m praying that God brings to each of you a very special hero indeed.

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