November 18, 2007, Bulletin InsertListen to the Voice
Listen,
O people of the Restoration—you who would become a prophetic people, embodying
in your life together the ministries of the In February, 1829, before the church officially existed, we first heard this call to action, “Now, behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men, therefore, O you that embark in the service of God, see that you serve him with all your heart, might, mind, and strength, that you may stand blameless before God at the last day; therefore, if you have desires to serve God, you are called to the work, for, behold, the field is white already to harvest.” (Doctrine and Covenants 4:a-c) The Voice that called us to action then has continued to call to us over the years, to invite us and challenge us to be part of God’s great and marvelous work.
The writer of the Hebrew letter tells us of some of the great people of faith (see chapter 11). How many more people we could add to this list that, in their own time and place, have lived out their lives as people of great faith! Each of us has a rich heritage of people who have lived out their lives in response to the Voice that called to them. Ponder for a few moments who you might put on your “faith hall of fame” list.
There are probably a few people on your list who are well known, maybe even famous, such as Mother Teresa or Billy Graham, or within the church, people like Roy Cheville or Arthur Oakman. Your list probably has a number of lesser known people, too—pastors, or church school teachers or youth leaders. And if you think about it further, you will probably think of a number of other people who quietly, but persistently lived out their faith in simple, yet meaningful ways—people who always tended to the sick and needy, people who brought flowers to church or otherwise helped create a beautiful worship setting, people who pitched in when others needed help, etc. Many of the people on our lists would probably not feel comfortable being on a “faith hall of fame” list. Yet it is these lesser known, humble people who have often had the most profound impact on our lives as they have faithfully served their God.
Many people have gone before us. They have heard the Voice and pursued the cause of the kingdom. They have nurtured us and helped us to develop our own faith. They have given freely and graciously of themselves as they have journeyed with Jesus. The world and many, many people’s lives have been changed because of their loving service and lived-out faith.
As we reflect upon the great heritage of faith that is ours, may we hear the Voice as it calls us as well to be a people of faith.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart…