Write verse 1 down and memorize it. When someone wants to know what faith is or why faith is important to you, this verse can come to the rescue. “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” What a powerful description! Our faith becomes the evidence someone else may rely on to know Jesus. How mind-blowing is that?
This whole reading testifies to the great faith of our Bible heroes. They’re often known as “heroes of faith” for a reason. This Hebrews passage has forever showcased their faith-led examples of living life as a believer, one of God’s chosen.
Faithful people please God. Do you resonate with any of these individuals? Depending on our season of life or place on our faith journey, different leaders will catch our attention. Maybe you’re intrigued by someone who allegedly hasn’t died but has disappeared and been taken by God. Maybe infertility issues hit close to home, and Sarah’s great faith speaks to your heart.
For me, as I read this tribute to heroes, Abraham stands out. He faithfully left all that he knew to follow after God. When I look at my own missionary-style life, I can totally relate to that and making a life in a totally new country. Even though centuries separate us, I can identify with Abraham’s sense of awe as he communicated with God and was used powerfully. For each orphan I introduce to Jesus, my faith journey takes a plunge forward. What an inheritance, a foretaste of what’s yet to come.
This reading is only the first part of the preacher’s section of the sermon on our faithful heroes. It’s a good reminder that we are in good company when it comes to living a faithful life. We have examples we can learn from and be inspired by.
It has always been my prayer that I can be like a hero of faith for someone to look up to. Having taught children most of my adult life as a Sunday School teacher or youth leader, now a missionary, it never gets old to see their innocent faith be strengthened when they learn the Bible stories and begin a relationship with Jesus.
It’s my hope for my readers, too, that you are journeying on your own faith journey, loving the Bible and all the hidden truths you discover each day. It’s all about faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Everything else in life is just circumstance and opportunities. What are your big questions about faith? Reflect on those and share with God and/or a trusted Christian friend.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, grow my faith stronger every day. I long to draw nearer to you and represent you well in this world. Reveal who you want me to be. Open the doors you want me to walk through. I only want to be in your will. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
