I Can’t Choose Just One!
Recently, we asked our readers for some suggested topics for the month of July. We are writing on 8 of their suggestions this month, and today’s post is the 5th of these posts.
Of all the suggested topics, today’s is the hardest for me. Cindy asked me to write about “your favorite Bible hero, and what about that person inspires you.” I love this topic, except that I can’t choose just one!
I was talking with Leah earlier about this and said, “It just depends on when you ask me!” The Bible is so filled with great lives that, it seems, whoever I am reading about or studying at the moment is my favorite. That said, I do have a few that I will mention.
- John the apostle. I love reading his perspective, as he wrote later in life. I love his transformation from one of the “sons of thunder” to the apostle of love. I enjoy seeing how he speaks to the Church in tones of sincerity, but also a grandfatherly love.
- Andrew. Some of my favorite people in the Bible are those “behind-the-scenes” leaders. Andrew never had the limelight, but was a wonderful servant. The church is stronger when there are many “Andrews;” people who are just bringing others to see Jesus.
- David. The original “renaissance man.” While I am no poet, I love David’s musical side, his ability to fight, and his heart for God.
- Job. This is an easy answer for me, because I love the book that bears this man’s name. Life is not always easy, and Job’s integrity in unimaginable circumstances has brought me comfort and encouragement more times than I can count.
- Esther. I love how this woman allowed her inner beauty to far outshine an obvious outward appeal. As a dad to a young lady, this noble strength is what I want for Mary Carol.
- Onesiphorus. I told you I liked people that are behind the scenes a bit. Paul wrote of this man that “he often refreshed me” (2 Timothy 1:16). If people would say that about me, I would be happy with how I was living my life!
There are many others, and of course the ultimate One I look to is Jesus. He is, as the song says, “The great example and pattern for me.”
QUESTIONS: Who are some of your favorite heroes? Do you have any “behind-the-scenes” favorites?
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Photo credit: Ryk Neethling on Flickr creative commons
8 Comments
Jim Faughn
Great list!! Can’t think off the top of my head who would add — and I sure wouldn’t remove anybody.
Heather Wilson
Esther and Joshua are my favorites. Esther because she had integrity and courage to do what God wanted and needed her to do. Joshua because he was courageous and I don’t think it was easy for him to do so considering God encouraged him several times to be strong and courageous.
Scott
Epaphroditus (Phil 2:24ff) is my “behind-the-scenes” favorite. Other heroes would include Joshua and Caleb (Give me this mountain) along with Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah and their stand against worshiping a statue.
Adam Faughn
Love Caleb, especially for that one line, “Give me this mountain!” What a wonderful example of faith coupled with enthusiasm!
Adam Faughn
Reading the life of Joshua is like reading a biography and textbook on leadership all rolled into one. What an amazing man.
Auntie Am
Along with those you mentioned (especially Job), I also love Peter, Joseph and Barnabas. I would love to be known as a daughter of encouragement.
Adam Faughn
And, see, there’s another on my list. Barnabas is a true hero!
Grammiec11
Thank you for posting this. I have enjoyed all of the different insights posted. Joseph is probably my top favorite as he seemed to never waiver in his faith, and could except his lot in life as the will of God. Also, Ruth for her loyalty and tenacity in caring for her loved one. James, the brother of John, is an example of being hand-picked to do a special work for the Lord and His church, but only for a short time. I love Peter and Esther, too. As you wrote, there are so many.