The Battle

Many of you have heard of Pastor Matt Chandler's recent battle with brain cancer.* Today at the Together for the Gospel conference he shared with us what he has learned in this suffering and encouraged us as we will all face suffering. Last fall he had been studying Hebrews 11, the great "hall of faith" as some call it. In it we are reminded of the great heros who have gone before us in the Scriptures. These did mighty acts through faith in God. The passage takes a turn, however, in verse 36 and we're now reminded that not all did such mighty acts. They suffered greatly at the hands of God's enemies. They "suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated" (vv. 36-37). This is quite a contrast to the previous 35 verses. As I listened to Matt testify to the sovereign grace and mercy of God, I was reminded of v. 34 that says some "put foreign armies to flight." I wrote a short poem that I believe sums up the whole of the passage. This explanation is far longer than the poem but I wanted to share the context with you all. I hope it is edifying to you.

"The Battle"

Some put foreign armies to flight

For others there was a harder fight

They put their faith in Christ alone

And received a righteousness not their own

*If you are not familiar with his story, I recommend reading the article whose address is below. Copy and paste it into your browser. Chandler has boldly demonstrated his faith in God who is sovereign over his suffering and bringing glory to Himself through it.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/2010-02-01-pastor31_ST_N.htm