Hero of the faith

"And what to say again ? Time will be lacking to speak in detail about Gideon, Barac, Samson and Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets." Hebrews 11. 32

The Spirit of God leads us in truth step by step. Chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews is striking in this regard. This chapter deals with the faith and begins with a definition of what faith is : "Faith is the assurance of what we hope for, and the conviction of realities that we do not see : it is through it that the elders have received testimony "(Heb 11. 1, 2).

This statement is illustrated by many examples of men and women of faith, beginning with Abel. Not only is his name recalled, but an example of his remarkable faith is recorded : "By faith, Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain ; by this sacrifice he has received the testimony of being righteous, God himself testifying to his gifts" (Heb 11. 4).

In the same way, in a first series of examples, the faith of those who are named is illustrated by precise facts that specify or complete the testimony of the A.T. and enrich our faith.

Then, the author of the epistle gives us a second series of examples. He simply gives the names of some men of faith by adding "prophets" without naming them. Their extraordinary acts, quoted to the middle of verse 35, are mentioned as the effect of their faith that made them strong until they rose from the dead. What about us ? Weak as we are, will we also be made strong (see v. 34) ?

We then go on to a third list : the terrible trials of all "unknown fighters", many of whom died on the "field of honor" of the faith. "The world was not worthy of them", what will happen to us when we reach perfection with them ?

The whole of this chapter 11 has been a treasure for Christians of Jewish origin suffering and persecuted (10. 22-39). If their faith could be based on this cloud of witnesses of the past, they were privileged to look now at the faithful and true witness, Jesus, the leader of the faith, now in glory (12. 1, 2 ).

Let's take the time to read the Old Testament in the light of the New. The heroes of the faith come out of it and our affections are attracted to Him who said : "It is written of me in the scroll of the book" (Ps 40. 7).

Source (Pleasing the Lord)