Hero's Of The Faith

“By faith Jacob, as he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph and worshiped as he leaned on his staff. By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, mentioned the exodus of the sons of Israel and gave instructions about his burial. By faith, when Moses was born, his parents hid him for three months, because they saw the child was beautiful and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. By faith, when he grew up, Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be ill-treated with the people of God than to enjoy sin’s fleeting pleasure. He regarded abuse suffered for Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for his eyes were fixed on the reward. By faith he left Egypt without fearing the king’s anger, for he persevered as though he could see the one who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that the one who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them. By faith they crossed the Red Sea as if on dry ground, but when the Egyptians tried it, they were swallowed up. By faith the walls of Jericho fell after the people marched around them for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute escaped the destruction of the disobedient, because she welcomed the spies in peace.” Hebrews 11:21-31 NET

The stories of these remarkable individuals illustrate the incredible power of faith. They embraced this seed of belief, allowing it to flourish in their lives, even amid significant challenges. Their unwavering perseverance serves as a powerful testament to the strength of faith. Although none of these "heroes of the faith" witnessed the fulfillment of their hopes during their lifetimes, they held steadfastly to their conviction that eternal rewards awaited them beyond this world. They chose to pursue a greater destiny that transcended the fleeting pleasures and comforts of earthly existence. All of these individuals were descendants of Abraham, the first to receive the extraordinary promise that would give rise to a holy nation. It’s crucial to recognize that holiness does not equate to inherent righteousness; rather, these individuals were set apart by God for a unique and divine purpose, becoming luminaries of faith in a world that sorely needed their inspiration.

In the face of mistreatment, imprisonment, and slander, the "heroes of the faith" demonstrated extraordinary resilience. Their unwavering faith, a powerful force greater than themselves, kept them steadfast in the most trying times. Being a believer during such challenging times was not just difficult; it posed significant risks at every turn. Many endured persecution from non-believers who treated them with blatant malice and disdain. Yet, amidst this adversity, God's strength shone through, revealing His unparalleled power in their lives and in the nation He was shaping. He chose the children of Abraham as vessels to spread His fame across all nations, with His people acting as His dynamic social media ambassadors, boldly proclaiming the goodness of God.

I have emphasized before that faith is not something we can conjure out of thin air; it is a divine gift, imparted and activated by God in our lives. Many of us receive the seed of faith yet find ourselves held back by fears that hinder us from realizing its full purpose. This struggle is a shared journey among believers—no one is alone in this challenge. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, we consistently hear the powerful calls to "Do not fear" or "Do not be afraid." While it’s true that there are countless reasons to feel afraid, God desires that we place our unwavering trust in Him, allowing Him to be our everything. Fear stands as a formidable barrier to trusting in God’s goodness, imprisoning us in cycles of doubt and distrust regarding His ability act on our behalf to be our savior in every situation. Embrace the promise that with faith, we can break free from fear and step into the abundant life God has planned for us.

These believers who trust in the promises of God are our inspiration to move forward which is why the writer of Hebrews mentions them here. We obviously cannot know what specifically God will do if we just trust Him, but we do know that God will use us as a testimony of His faithfulness to us ant to others, but something He also does is reveal His presence in our lives, a profound goodness that is evident in the life of the believer.

The writer dedicates considerable time and attention to the lives of past believers who placed their faith in God’s promises because he seeks to plant seeds of faith in us, nurturing us to grow and thrive. Testimonies are powerful instruments for conveying the boundless mercy and love of God. We are captivated by testimonies during meetings, as they remind us that transformation is a fundamental aspect of God’s design. While Jesus remains unchanged, His methods of communication do change, keeping us engaged and attentive. Just when we become comfortable in one way of experiencing Him, God surprises us by shifting his approach. This dynamic nature of God's communication is not only inspiring; it invites us to maintain an open heart and mind. Consequently, the Word of God reaches new generations of people whom He longs to save.

Each generation encounters unique facets of God’s character, specifically tailored to their circumstances. This is what makes our relationship with Him not only vital but also profoundly personal. God meets us exactly where we are, asking nothing more of us than for us to reveal our authentic selves. This intimate nature of our relationship with Him not only fosters a sense of connection and understanding but also invites us to be part of a larger spiritual community. Over time, as we grow in our relationship with Him, we inevitably reflect the transformative changes that arise from knowing Him—this is the remarkable power of God’s Word in our lives.

Each of us embarks on a unique journey of faith, yet we all share the same ultimate goal: the promise of inheriting God's eternal kingdom, a realm that surpasses the confines of our earthly existence. With Christ dwelling within us, we catch a glimpse of this magnificent future kingdom and its unparalleled beauty. This is why Jesus urged us to pray, “...May Your kingdom come, and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” This powerful promise imbues our faith journeys with deep reassurance and unwavering hope, guiding us toward a transcendent purpose that lies ahead.

But we must always keep at the forefront of our minds that we receive the kingdom of God together; it’s not a solo effort. It is Christ in all of us that the kingdom is revealed more fully, and we see Christ revealed in our brothers and sisters. Jesus said that where two or more gather, there I am in their midst, for it is Christ in us all which is the hope of glory,

We must always remember that we receive the kingdom of God together; not as a solo effort. It is through Christ's presence in each of us that the kingdom is fully revealed, and we encounter Christ in our brothers and sisters. Jesus Himself proclaimed that wherever two or more are gathered in His name, there He is among them. It is this shared presence of Christ within each of us that embodies our hope for His glory.

Stephen Barnett