Grace to you!
Growing up as a boy, my dad told me many stories about the bravery of our ancestors. Those stories were meant to instill in me the courage to be part of a historical moment and culture.
Many families, societies and countries have their stories. We celebrate historical figures. We celebrate our roots. In many ways, we do so to remind us of the historical treasure we share with the past, our lineage.
Granted, some may have a terrible history. Some live in a family or community where they are exposed to appalling pains and sickening experiences. Those stories make us sad and unhappy. Yet, we all, as believers, have one common victory story. It is the story of the redeemed in Christ. It is the story of those born anew in the Risen Lord. The story of numerous witnesses united in the heavenly festive gatherings of the angels and the saints (Heb 12: 22-23), the communion of saints. This faith-born heritage and grace-lineage no one can take away from us.
The Letter to the Hebrews, chapter eleven, while reminding the believers of the time and us, of the incredible asset of faith in the Risen Lord, makes us understand that we who are born anew in Christ have much more treasure. Unlike many who are unsure of the content of their faith, looking uncertainly about the life to come, for the Christian believer, we are confident of the content of our faith. It is the Lord. It is the Person of the Christ. It is the one who came and died and rose and assures us of eternal life in the bosom of the Father. It is the Lord who will take us to be with him where he is in heaven (Jn 14:3). It is the Lord who has absolute authority over the forces of evil and could end their control with a word as he did in Matthew 5:1-20.
We do not imagine a phenomenon about which we aren’t sure. We are anticipating the everlasting glory. Through the light of faith, which we have been given by grace, we can see the glory to come. We live in it in unique ways even now while waiting for the fulness. Such strengthens us.
Look at it this way: When you are sure of victory, would you be afraid of the battle ahead of you? Certainly not. The good news of your faith amidst the trials you face right now is that victory is assured. The demonic or evil legions such as those who tormented the man in Matthew 5:1-20, don’t even have a chance to win over you since the Lord is on the throne. With the Lord, you too are a winner.
Christ has opened the gates, the gates of eternal rest. Such access is for you when you walk by faith in the promises of the Lord. The rest, the eternal rest, is for you. You already live it in some ways even now with the joy that leads to the Final End. In that Final End, by God’s grace, you and I will walk in faith into the Promise.
I can’t wait for that day when we realized that it is worth sacrificing, carrying the cross, and following the Lord.
I am praying for faith-walk in all we do. Amen.
God love you. God bless you.
Fr. Maurice Emelu
