A Hero...

Today's Readings: OT - Job 31:1-17 / NT - Mark 1:1-20

"The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him." - Mark 1:12-13

Someone once said that heroes are made, not born. Well, after his platoon had suffered heavy casualties and three other non-commissioned officers had become casualties, Corporeal Alvin C. York, a conscientious objector of World War I, assumed command.  Fearlessly leading seven men, he charged a machine gun nest which was pouring deadly and incessant fire upon his platoon. In this heroic feat the machine gun nest was taken, together with four officers and one hundred twenty-eight men and several guns. York was promoted to Sergeant and awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Medal of Honor and nearly fifty more decorations for his heroism. By going where no one would want to go and doing what no one would want to do, York became a hero.

Jesus left heaven's glory, came to earth and was driven by the Spirit into the wilderness. The battle ground was not desirable nor the fight pleasurable. But our Lord went where He was told to go and became our eternal hero. He charged the bastion of Hell and confronted the great enemy with the Sword of the Word and won the day. As with any war, there were many more battles to follow, but the victory was achieved by the One who went where no one would want to go and did what no one would want to do and became our hero.

This simple point comes to this my friend; has the Lord directed you into a situation that no one would want to go? Have you hesitated and questioned the wisdom of such leading? Is it possible that the Lord has set the stage for you to do what needs to be done so others might be blessed? Yes, the Spirit still drives His people into the wilderness, but with eternal purpose in mind. You too can win the day and be a hero... by going where no one would want to go and doing what no one would want to do, for the Glory of God and blessing of others.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Job 31:18-40 / NT - Mark 1:21-45