John 19:28-30
After
this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture
might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar:
and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his
mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished:
and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.
Hero: 1. A man of
distinguished valor, intrepidity or enterprise in danger; as a hero in arms. 2.
A great, illustrious or extraordinary person; as a hero in learning. Little
used.
Jesus was
supposed to be the redeemer of Israel. He was the promised One… (Isaiah 9:6)
HE was
going to rid Israel of the Romans… and here he hung on the cross. Here is
their Hope, their dreams, their all… hanging in a cursed state.
Mark 10:37
They said unto him, Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand, and
the other on thy left hand, in thy glory
They
honestly believed JESUS was going to conquer the throne of David and Restore
Israel to power.
The disciples who left their businesses all followed after this
dream…Mt 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you
fishers of men.
Phillip
even fell for it. (John 1:49)
Everything
these people had, they left all to follow Him. Some did not trust Him. Some
desired to hang on to their things…they were not to sure.
THEY WANTED A PIECE OF THE ACTION BUT DID NOT WANT TO RISK IT ON A FRAUD.
There
Jesus was, hung on the cross. The disciples could only stare and wag their heads
in disbelief. They were taken for fools. Redeemer of Israel, BAH! Here he hangs
on the cross, totally lifeless.
The
disciples wanted to get on with their life. So the fishermen went back to
fishing (John 21:3).
The
disciples were not the only ones who were let down. Mary and Martha, Mary
Magdalene, Mary his mother, and many others also faced their leader was dead.
John 11:27 “She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the
Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world”
DAVID was
the champion fighter. Remember the songs being sung, “ Saul has slain his
thousands and David his tens of thousands”. But as David and his men returned
from battle they found their homes destroyed? The men spake of stoning Him (I
Sam 30:1-6) because David, their hero had failed.
Barnabas
was the only one who would extend his right hand of fellowship to the newly
converted Saul.
Remember,
Saul was the persecutor of the believers.
As time passed Saul and Barnabas were
inseparable. Barnabas was the “leader” of the pair, so it seems. However,
there came a point were Barnabas wanted to stop a trip to go after a weaker
brother. Whether Barnabas was right or wrong, there was a sharp disagreement
between the two. Barnabas, the “hero” had failed.
Personally,
in the past 2 weeks, I have had to “hero’s” fail. They were put on the
pedestal because of position. For whatever reason there was, they let me down.
Men that I have respected and “followed” for years, fell from the pedestal.
Psalms 118:8- it is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.
I don’t
know everyone’s situation today. I know some of your problems but not all of
them. For that matter, it does not have to be a HERO that falls. It can be a
dad, a mom, a sister, brother, friend, or even spouse that lets you down. But
when they fall, it rips your heart out. It makes you want to lose hope. To never
trust anyone again. But, I have good news for you.
JESUS did
not fail us. He did not fail his disciples. He kept his word. Their false hopes
and man-made dreams were not in his plan. Not on his timetable.
Jesus completed his mission for his first
coming. He came to die for us. He came to deliver us from the bondage of sin.
No matter
what your situation is. I recommend to you to simply LOOK to JESUS. Hebrews
12:1-3.
Looking
unto JESUS the author and finisher of our faith.
1.
He alone is worthy to be “imitated”
2.
He alone is able to sustain us
3.
He alone is faithful to us.
As
for man, they will all fail in one-way or another. Paul addressed this question
when he stated in I Cor 11:1 “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of
Christ.”
Paul
and Barnabas faced this in Acts 14:11-17. Any man who desires to be worshiped is
not worthy to be a leader.
Today,
I offer you this challenge. Follow me as long as I follow Christ. As long as I
point to the Lamb of GOD, follow me but do not worship me.
Hero’s
come and hero’s GO…. JESUS CHRIST remains faithful.
1Th 5:24
Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
Hebrews
13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such
things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee
Hebrews
13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.
FOLLOW
CHRIST! Magnify HIM.
God
sets JESUS up as HERO.
Philippians
2:5-11- GOD hath HIGHLY EXALTED HIM and hath GIVEN HIM a name that is ABOVE
every name. Acts 4:12- no other name under heaven where by ye must be saved!
LOOK TO JESUS!