Three Encouraging Lists
Heb 11:32-38: "And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented—of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth."
The last section of Hebrews 11, which gives us examples of the practical life of faith, contains three very motivating lists.
1. Hebrews 11:32: The author lists some people from the Old Testament who we might not necessarily have included in the hall of fame of heroes of faith:
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- Gideon is characterized more by fear (at least four times we see fear in his life in the biblical account in Jud 6-7) – but he overcame it and was then able to be used by God.
- Barak (Jud 4-5) was also a fearful contemporary who could not lead but needed the push of a woman – but God also values small faith that may not lead but follows.
- In the case of Jephthah (Jud 11-12), it would be much easier to cite "acts of failure" instead of "acts of faith" – but during failures, problems, and weaknesses, God sees and values what is in his heart.
- In the case of Samson, in addition to his unique acts of faith, his many problems with the lust for fame, the lust of the eyes, and the lust of women are obvious – but in between these temptations, there is also something of value to God.
- David was a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22), whose great trust in God is particularly evident in the Psalms. His life was also full of ups and downs – but here the Spirit of God focuses on the fruit for God.
- Samuel was a quiet, faithful servant who ministered to the people spiritually in the background – the Lord values not only "front line ministry" or pulpit preaching, but also quiet ministries that may go unseen but are not overlooked by God.
The lesson of this list: The Lord values what is for Him in our lives – what may be hidden among the building sites and problems of others but is evident to Him. God can also make something of failures of faith.
2. Heb 11:33-35a: These verses do not mention heroes of faith by name, but only their deeds. We learn here that faith is powerful (so powerful that even mountains can be moved; Mt 17:20). Faith is not simply the last resort when all other means fail. Faith is not a calculation of probabilities; it does not kick in when reason has run out. Faith is unconditional trust in the Lord who holds everything in His hands. This list therefore encourages us to trust without reservation. "All things are possible to him who believes" (Mk 9:23).
The lesson of this list: The Lord acknowledges when we trust Him by allowing us to see miracles and answers to prayer.
3. Heb 11:35b-38: This list may be even more encouraging. You may be discouraged because you do not see such great acts of faith in your life as we have seen before. This third list shows us that faith – trust in God – is not only shown in deeds but also in perseverance. It includes people who have endured as martyrs, who have suffered humiliation for God, who have not given up; in short, and who have remained faithful to the Lord despite difficulties. This kind of faith is as valuable to the Lord as great deeds.
The lesson of this list: Not only are great deeds valuable to God, but so is trusting, non-rebellious submission to the will of God. He values faithfulness when things look difficult in human terms. "… knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience" (Jas 1:3).
Let us be encouraged by these three lists. The Lord is honored by our practical trust – and will reward it!
