We wrote about Randy Gradishar’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame a couple of days ago. A great accomplishment, and he used the platform well, but how much better to be in God’s Hall of Fame! Does God have one? Some think Hebrews 11 comes pretty close: The “Hall of Fame of Faith.”
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible… And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11.1 – 3, 6, ESV)
As we look at the list of names and why they’re listed (hint: they took action), we’re reminded that faith is not a matter of simply “believing” a few things. As James wrote:
Faith without works is dead. (James 2.20)
Here’s the list:
- Abel “offered a better sacrifice”
- Enoch “pleased God”
- Noah “warned about something he hadn’t seen, built an ark.”
- Abraham “said yes to God’s call and moved…”
- Sarah “received power to conceive”
Interlude
Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world. People who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home. If they were homesick for the old country, they could have gone back any time they wanted. But they were after a far better country than that—heaven country. You can see why God is so proud of them, and has a City waiting for them. (Hebrews 11.13 – 16, MSG)
- Abraham “offered Isaac”
- Isaac “blessed Jacob and Esau”
- Jacob “blessed each of Joseph’s sons”
- Joseph “prophesied the exodus and made arrangements for his own burial”
- Moses’ parents “hid him away…”
- Moses
- “Refused the privileges of the royal house”
- “Chose a hard life with God’s people”
- “Valued suffering in the Messiah’s camp far greater than Egypian wealth”
- “Left Egypt”
- “Kept the Passover Feast”
- Israel
- “Walked through the Red Sea…”
- “Marched around the walls of Jericho…”
- Rahab “welcomed the spies…”
- Others (like Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, the prophets)
- Toppled kingdoms
- Made justice work
- Took the promises for themselves
- Were protected from lions, fires, and swords
- Won battles
- Routed armies
And this part of the list ends:
Women received back their dead, raised to life again… (Hebrews 11.35, NIV)
Some of the early ones on this list like Abel (murdered), Abraham and Moses had a tough time, but nothing but victory for that last group! Let’s join God’s team!! Not so fast, but that should be the subject of another blog. Stay tuned.
In the meantime, bravo to these examples of faith, people who believed God and took action. Here’s another:
In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, “Ananias!” “Yes, Lord,” he answered. The Lord told him, “Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.” “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your holy people in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.” Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 9.10 – 17, NIV)
“But the Lord said, Go!” And Ananias went.