Us Christians love Hebrews 11 and for good reason. The passage is filled with accounts of history that rival and have even influenced the cinematic thrills and intrigue of Hollywood blockbusters. But like all scripture, it wasn’t given to us for entertainment but to train, challenge and ultimately change us. After all, faith is the very vehicle by which we came to salvation; only, this faith isn’t passive – far from it.
The Hebrew word for faith is e’muwnah, it means “to take firm action” and yes it’s a verb! Throughout Hebrews 11, this is demonstrated for us, as the heroes of our faith undertook bold exploits on account of their faith.
“By faith Noah…, in holy fear built an ark to save his family…”
“By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice…”
“By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born…”
“By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land…”
“By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the army had marched around them for seven days…”
“By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed…”
The passage goes on and on about what was accomplished by ordinary human beings through their acts of faith.
“33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.”
Some even suffered greatly and ultimately died as a result of their faith!
Like me, do you feel called to do something you feel is way out of your depth?
How will this scripture train, challenge and change you and me?
“By faith Kadiene wrote words of wisdom that encourage, inspire and strengthen generations. His strength was perfected in her weakness and her testimony was a powerful display of God’s redeeming grace.”
Your turn,
Comment below on how your faith has or will move you to do great things.
By faith (your name here)
Recent Comments