Center for Creative Ministry A research organization and research center for Seventh-day Adventist pastors and their congregations
Blessed Are Those Who Believe
This Veterans Day, Maryland posthumously promoted American heroine Harriet Tubman to brigadier general. Tubman, the first U.S. woman to lead an armed military operation, also served in the Union Army as a cook, nurse, scout and spy during the Civil War. She later participated in the women’s suffrage movement and civil rights campaigns, and sought better care for the aged and disabled.
While Harriet Tubman is recognized as a prominent United States heroine, she was not the only woman serving in the Civil War. In fact, the young country’s history was partly shaped by countless women playing major roles (often secretly) in the American Revolution and both World Wars.
Prior to the modern era, women actually participated in war efforts around the world–they just didn’t always receive recognition for it. But things are changing.
Earlier this year, British WWII veteran Christian Lamb received the Legion d’honneur.
In Berlin, Germany, an exhibition paid tribute to the countless women who rebelled against the Nazi regime. Although Women in Resistance Against National Socialism was only on display in Berlin from July 10 to November 3 of this year, the associated website features brief biographies of each “resistance woman” who fought against the National Socialist German Workers’ Party.
These resistance fighters of all ages, walks of life, and even varying ideologies, often worked independently of each other in the effort to bring down the Nazi regime. Yet, this diverse band of heroes united in the fight to achieve a common goal. They sought a liberated, fair and equitable Germany that did not oppress the basic human rights of those whom the government deemed of lesser value. They also bore witness to the power of the human spirit, tirelessly and bravely striving for a greater future they could not yet see but which they believed could exist.
“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Jesus’ words, recorded in John 20:29, stand true today.
Throughout this quarter, we have reviewed the testimonies of various individuals who witnessed the life, death, and resurrection of Christ and would give credence to His divinity. There are the obvious light-bearers, including the disciples (even Doubting Thomas), John the Baptist, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. Then, there are the more obscure testifiers, like Nicodemus, the Samaritan woman and her community, the Roman centurion (Matthew 27:54), the blind and lame who received healing, and Joseph of Arimathea. And, of course, we cannot forget Pilate, who despite condemning Christ to death, rightfully proclaimed Jesus to be the King of the Jews.
These are all from Jesus’ lifetime, and these individuals, of all walks of life, were blessed to see prophecy fulfilled so that they may have stronger evidence to believe in His messiahship.
But we are missing key testimonies about Jesus, several of which predate His life!
Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation and of Judaism, rejoiced to see Christ’s day (John 8:56). And Moses, whom the Pharisees held in higher regard than any other teacher of the Law, also yearned for the people to receive Christ (Deuteronomy 18:15-22).
Christ was testified to before He even was born! And even after His ascension, we continue to testify, bearing witness and spreading the gospel to every nation, people, and tongue. And only God knows how many generations of believers, each with their unique witness, will follow.
What a beautiful, diverse body of Christ we are.
For Reflection
Connecting: Did you ever need to work with someone you didn’t get along well with to achieve a goal? What helped you, as a team, pull it all together?
Sharing: What are some things we have today that those who lived during Jesus’ lifetime didn’t have which should help strengthen our faith?
- The New Testament record of miracles and ministry
- Commentaries, Bible studies and other study tools
- Testimonies from a wide array of believers, such as athletes, influencers, celebrities, scientists, drug addicts, criminals, etc.
- The benefit of time (seeing the prophecies of things to come after Jesus’ ascension fulfilled)
- A deeper knowledge of and relationship with the Holy Spirit
- Other:
Applying: With a small group or trusted peer(s), let each person, who is willing, bear witness to Jesus. Though each account is unique, how do they all bear witness to the same Lord?
Valuing: We are just a small part of Jesus’ story. Many generations will likely follow us who will also give witness to Jesus. How does this knowledge impact how you interact with younger Christians?
~ Stefani Leeper
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| “I think it just shows how good the Lord is. He’s so faithful,” Detroit Lions’ placekicker Jake Bates shared in a post-game NBC interview following Bates’ buzzer-beating 52-yard field goal that clinched Lions’ 26–23 victory over the Houston Texans on November 10, 2024.
The former collegiate soccer player was signed–and released–by the Houston Texans a year ago in 2023. Thinking his professional sports career was dead, he then turned to selling bricks. The Lions saw something in him and gave him a second chance. Now, named the NFC’s special teams player of the week, young placekickers, and the rest of the world, admire his sportsmanship on the NFL stage. “My story is, if anything – I just hope people can see Jesus through my story. I mean, that’s what I think I’m here to do. Not make or miss or be a good kicker or bad kicker but spread the love of Jesus. Hopefully, I’m able to do that on the stage I’m given.” Bates reminds us that, in all we do, we are called to seek the good of others while giving the glory to God (1 Corinthians 10:23-33). In what ways will you give the glory to God today?
Stefani Leeper | Content Coordinator Image retrieved from: USAToday.com accessed November 14, 2024 |
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