Behind Every Good Person
And without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6
People do get noticed. But how? Without boasting, bragging or backstabbing, what does someone have to do to become great? These questions and preponderances cross my mind especially when reading Hebrews 11. What a hodge podge of men and women!
None of them were perfect or sinless sojourners. Each had their own little quirks. Just like us! Not only did it take years to accomplish God’s plan for their lives, some of them lived and died with no idea of the part they played in church history.
But I still want to know how they came to Biblical notoriety. Did He chase them or did they chase Him? I am sure that it took faithful generations to prepare them all. God set the stage. The curtain went up. They acted as instructed. There was no applause during their day. Today we give them standing ovations.
There is a five-letter word that seems to be found multiple times in Hebrews 11—faith. Not only did they rely on their own personal faith in a sovereign God, but their families faithfully encouraged them. Can’t you hear Abraham telling Sarah, “You can do this, old gal!” or Moses scratching his head and trying to make sense of the divided walls of water in front of him.
Have you ever wondered if Joshua really believed the walls of Jericho would crumble to the ground just by marching around them? And how about Rahab? Because she followed her gut feeling, she saved her family and many generations to follow. What made her do it? Was it a spur of the moment thing? Perhaps, but I tend to think someone along the way had taught this prostitute to be kind.
By a ripple effect of faith, these great souls responded. They believed. They obeyed. They stepped out and by faith, they fulfilled His plan for their lives.
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Hebrews 11:39-40 (NIV)
They did it all for us!
Heavenly Father, by example You continue to show us how to live and love as You do. Please make us aware of our purpose and give us willing hearts to follow You wherever You lead us. AMEN.