“…all commended for their faith…” Hebrews 11:39
/To Bible students, Hebrews 11 is known as the “Hall of Faith”. More than seventeen examples of people who demonstrated faith were cited by the writers that reached back into antiquity, listing them chronologically:
Abel offered a sacrifice better than his brothers (vv.4; Genesis 4:4);
Enoch’s faith pleased God, and was taken from this life without experiencing death (vv. 5 – 6; Genesis 5:21-24);
Noah built the ark without having ever experienced rain (vv.7; Genesis 6:13 - 22);
Abraham journeyed to a place he had never been, was enabled to become a father in old age, and offered his only son as a sacrifice (vv. 8 – 12; Genesis 12:1-12, 17:17-19, 18:1-14, 21:2, 22:17);
Isaac, agreeing with his father, offered himself as an offering and blessed his sons in regard to their future (vv. 17 – 20; Genesis 22:1-10, 27:27-40);
Jacob blessed the sons of Joseph (vv.21; Genesis 48:1, 8-22);
Joseph prophesied about the Great Exodus, giving instructions about his remains to be carried back to the promised land (v.22: Genesis 50:24-25; Exodus 13:19);
Moses chose mistreatment over being known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, kept the Passover, and led Israel out of Egypt through the Red Sea (vv. 24 – 28; Exodus 2:10-11, 12:21-51, 14:21-31);
The Hebrew nation journeyed through the Red Sea and marched around Jericho for seven days, believing its walls would fall (vv. 28 – 30; Joshua 6:12-20);
Rahab, the prostitute, welcomed the Hebrew spies and survived the Israeli invasion which drove out the evil nations that practiced child sacrifice and idolatry (vv. 31; Deuteronomy 7:1-2, 12-16; Genesis 9:22-27, 10:15-20; Jeremiah 32:25);
Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, the prophets, Daniel, the sisters of Lazarus, the apostles of the first century church, John the Baptist, and first-generation Christians are all recognized (vv. 32 – 38; Judges 6-8; 4-5; 13-16; 11-12; 1 Samuel 16:1,13, 1:20).
Yes, they were all commended for their faith. So… what is faith? The writers provided a definition, breathed into their hearts by God’s Spirit, our heavenly teacher of truth:
“…faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (v.1)
Though he had not seen his destination, Abraham traveled to a place that became his home, being a stranger in a foreign land. He and his heirs lived in tents while anticipating their eternal reward in the city whose architect and builder is God (vv.8-10). Faith is like a muscle – the more you exercise it the stronger it becomes. The primary dynamic of faith is that, like film, it’s developed in the dark. We can all be certain of what we see (unless your watching someone who has perfected tricks by slight-of-hand). Being certain of what we do not see requires faith to act upon it. It is impossible to please God except through faith (v.6).
I married my wife, trusting God for bringing her into my life and the future we would build together through faith in God to make all things work together for our good. God has taken us through tough times, some by our own doing (mostly mine). God continues to provide, protect, and be present in our lives… leading us in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake (Psalm 23:3). The more we exercise faith in Him, the stronger He pours faith into our hearts and minds.
Do you desire to please God? Exercise your faith. Faith is radical, extreme, and daring. This may not be one’s normal approach to life, as many of us are ‘wired’ to be cautious and unbelieving. Invest in God’s Word, asking Him to build your faith. Seek God for direction in how you can serve Him, then trust Him for the outcome… that’s faith in action!
Have a blessed day