Another Advent Devotional

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11

In our current Western culture, we esteem men and women of accomplishment - athletes, actors, scientists, musicians and even businessmen. Individuals who achieve greatness in his/her field or discipline are showered with fame, fortune and power by our individual constant desire to have everything they seem to have. We erect statues, construct buildings, and even pave streets in the name of those to whom we direct our adoration. Sports halls of fame, celebrity walks of fame, award shows by the dozens - all evidence of a society’s feeble attempt at becoming something greater.

As followers of Christ, our only real source of inspiration, the object of our adoration, the author and finisher of our faith is to be the Lord Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 12:2) Our own Scripture has a hall of fame, or perhaps more appropriately a Hall of Faith. Each verse of Hebrews 11 reads like an inscription on a display case in God’s Hall of Faith. I can almost see the first glass window, verse 4 is the inscription below a photo of Abel and a shepherd’s staff. His testimony of faith living on for God’s glory.

Through this Advent season, let us remember just what it means to be a Christian. Things of this world will pass away, that includes the esteem of men. May we aspire to live a Christ-like life and hold a place in God’s Hall of Faith; that even after we’ve passed on from this world, we may leave a testimony of faith that points to Him.

Prayer
Dear Lord, may You be the object of our affections.
Help me to recognize every day that the attractive things
of this world will pass away. May it be my desire to
live a life that points to You. Amen.