Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and Rayhab, all had faith in God and so each was called out by name in the book of Hebrews. Pastor Mike finished his series on the “Hebrews Hall of Faith” this week talking to us about the unnamed.
This week’s reading starts by telling us there are many more stories the author could recount if there were enough time – the stories we’ve already heard in the Old Testament of Gideon, Barack, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. Instead, the author chooses to end this chapter telling us of the many who died in faith whose stories were not told in the Bible.
These unnamed were harshly treated, tortured, and killed for their faith. Many lived before Christ had come into the world and so they had not witnessed His life, the miracles He performed, or His conquering of death through His resurrection. They believed because they knew of the promise of a Messiah that was foretold by the prophets. They were called to be prepared and they obeyed refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. (Heb 11:35)
All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith (v39)
What does all this have to do with us? We, too, are part of the unnamed group call to be prepared for Christ’s coming. Those in the Old Testament knew of the promise of a Messiah. We are blessed to know the Messiah through the writings of the Bible.
There are not many David and Moses, Billy Grahams or Tim Tebow’s in the world. There are countless unnamed including each of us. The unnamed called out in Hebrews 11, can be a source of encouragement to us, an example of how we can and should lead our lives. Like them, we too, may be called to suffer, be tortured, or even killed for our faith. Many Christians in countries outside of the United States die for their faith in Christ every day.
Each of us has a story to tell about our faith. Each of our stories is unique, yet there are also some experiences we may share that will help others in their journeys. Therefore, let us not be afraid to publicly profess our faith.
God walks with us through our trials and through our pain. These stories are also our stories of triumph and Salvation. We can use our stories to give God glory. Just because most of us will be part of the unnamed, our stories are no less important. Let’s share them and proclaim the glory of God to the world.
Until next Sunday, may your days be blessed!
– Paula –
Featured Image by Joseph Redfield Nino from Pixabay
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