The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains,
living in caves and in holes in the ground.
Hebrews 11:38
Hebrews 11 is a great chapter to read about people – named and unnamed – who exercised their faith at key moments. This chapter is often referred to as the “Faith Hall of Fame”. The word, “faith”, is used 28 times in this chapter in the New International Version. So, you get an idea of the multiple actions that were taken by exercising this particular fruit of the Spirit. With names like Abraham, Moses, Joseph, and Rahab, there is a deep well of Bible stories to be studied from this chapter.
We’ll look at a similar list of all the challenging and harsh things that Paul alone went through for the sake of the Gospel on another day. Today we’ll look at a list in Hebrews 11 of what people have endured by faith through the centuries (35b-38a):
…There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated…”
What amazes me when I read this short passage in particular, is what the early followers of Christ were willing to do for their Savior. This might be considered religious fanaticism by some, but let me differentiate. Christians were willing to go through this for the sake of love, not hate, nor to appease some angry god. It’s that simple. Jesus went through it all and more for us. Should we not be willing to do the same in gratitude?
And guess what, you’re dead already! Galatians 2:20 reminds us that we have been crucified with Christ and we no longer live. Christ lives in and through us now – at least that’s the way it’s supposed to be. I encourage you to pledge that your actions going forward will reflect a life surrendered to God.
In my opinion, this chapter is one of the richest in the Bible. Take the time to study each instance of “by faith” and it will strengthen your own resolve to act by faith in the days ahead. Don’t skim over the highlighted passage of this chapter even if you find it difficult to read or comprehend. Pray that your faith may be strong enough to endure whatever is needed to further the cause of Christ.