TODAY’S
WORD FOR TUESDAY JULY 23, 2013
EXAMPLE
DEFINITION:
Something
to be imitated or to be avoided; a pattern or model; an instance for
illustration.
SCRIPTURE:
All
these --- obtained a good testimony through faith. Hebrews 11:39
Follow
my example, as I follow the example of Christ. I Corinthians 11:1
KNOWLEDGE
AND EXPERIENCE:
The
redeemed sinners listed in Hebrews 11 (above) are all remembered for one common
virtue --- great faith. They all obtained a good testimony through their faith.
Long after their deaths, the record of their lives of faith and obedience still
inspires us today. They were and are examples to be followed.
John
Wilkes Booth's place in history is that of a villain. He was an actor but
became famous because he killed President Abraham Lincoln. After the south lost
the civil war, Booth wanted to be remembered as its avenger against the north,
but instead he is remembered as an assassin who killed an unarmed Lincoln with
a gunshot to the back of the head. His example in history is that of a
murderous coward.
In
contrast Abraham Lincoln will be remembered as an example of a president who
preserved the union, freed the slaves and exhibited malice toward none and
charity for all. Few of us will have a recorded place in history as do Lincoln,
Booth and those listed in Hebrews 11. But certainly we would want to be
remembered as a good example like Lincoln and not as a bad example like Booth,
but how much better to be remembered as a person of great faith like the
faithful men of God in Hebrews 11.
The
apostle Paul is an example of a man of great faith with a committed desire to
spread the good news of the gospel. Paul also showed, by his example, that he
believed in the power of prayer. In Romans 1:9, he says he remembered the
people in the church in Rome always in his prayers. He was eager and ready to
preach the gospel to them. By example Paul made it clear that he was not
ashamed of the gospel he preached. He left for us a wonderful example of a life
that honored God completely.
At
the time Paul was teaching the Corinthians about Christ, the gospel had not
been written. They only knew about Jesus Christ through Paul's preaching. Paul
followed the example of Christ, therefore, he could say to them, "follow
my example."
On
the night before His death on the cross, Jesus instructed His disciples saying,
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for You” (John
13:15).
If
we want to be a good example for our children and family to follow, we must
make sure we are following the example that Christ has given us. “To this you
were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you
should follow in His steps”(I Peter 2:21).
We
will leave memories for our families and hopefully a positive example to those
who knew us. We desire only to be remembered for living a God fearing life and
a life of faith and obedience to Him. What kind of an example will you leave on
this earth? The memory of a godly life speaks more eloquently than words.
LEARNING:
Our
memory verse for this week is found in Hebrews 10:36
For
you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may
have received what was promised.
PRAYER
It
is our prayer today that our family will be an example of You to those we meet.
May others see clearly in us a love for You, a love for them and a love for
Your Word. Give us strength to serve You and love You with all we have.
