“…He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren.”
Consider the story of 17-year-old Jacklyn Lucas, who enlisted in the Marines at the age of 14 by lying about his age. He hurled himself on two grenades on Iwo Jima rather than let the explosions kill the other members of his fire team. Surviving the blast, he said, “One of us had to go.”
He was the youngest Marine to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor.
The Message Bible says: “… He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him.”
Our service men learn that their purpose is never seen apart from their fellow soldiers. On this Veterans’ Day, remember we are a part of one another. One translation says, we were marked out by God to be made like His Son, so that He might be the first among a band of brothers. Have a great Veteran’s Day.
I am one of a band of brothers being shaped into the Christ like image of Jesus.
- Reading Plan A: Hebrews 8
- Reading Plan B: John 8
- Reading Plan C: Lamentations 3-5; Hebrews 8
by Tim Davidson
Excerpt permission granted by
Word of Faith Church & Outreach Center
Called to the Body of Christ as a pastor and teacher, Tim Davidson pioneered Word of Faith Church in Bismarck in 1980. He served as its Lead Pastor for 35 years and now serves as Founding Pastor. Pastor Tim has pioneered 6 churches in North Dakota and now serves as Regional Director for Rhema Ministerial Association International. Teaching believers foundational truths from God's Word is his passion.
He has authored 3 yearly devotion books that are used both here and overseas to help believers become "rooted and grounded" in their faith.
God is now calling Pastor Tim to share the treasury of wisdom and knowledge God has given to him with other pastors and churches.