As I write these blogs I often turn to commentaries and other writings encountered as I research the topic for the week. I will always share with you the source and author at all times. The lesson I hope you pick up on here is that we live in a world of information no father away than a keyboard a computer and internet supplier. I hope you will be encouraged to do as the scripture says “seek and ye shall find” adding to that prayer and the leading of the Holy Spirit to build your faith and service to God.

Back in the day many young boys dreamed of riding the plains doing good and rescuing the young girls from evil. Mounting the trusty broom and riding the backyard range in search of stray cattle or damsels in distress and even hoping to come across a bad guy or two. Sporting a set of Gene Autry pistols and a new hat and cowboy boots from Sears or the local Western Auto store, we were the picture of young justice and any number of Saturday cowboy shows on the old black and white TV. Sneaking a bit of small rope from dad’s work bench for a lasso, even the dog and cat feared our pass through the backyard range. They were examples of what we admired or wanted to be in our adolescent dreams and wishes. Today we look at a different time and a different type of hero, the ones back in the day that set an example of faith and called to mind in the 11th chapter of Hebrews through the writings of Paul.

**Great Examples of Faith

Paul writes that the bones of faith are based on substance and evidence. Whether they were eternal or invisible they were true because they were from God. God’s creation of the world from nothing is understood by faith in the word of Almighty God, who, by definition, could do what He chose to do. Paul then states that those such as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Sarah, are all taken as evidences of God’s blessing on even weak people who put their trust in Him. Faith is always rewarded when it is put in God. The Old Testament saints were simple people who lived what they believed to be true. Simple faith makes an uncomplicated confession of trust in, and following of the Lord. Their eyes where on heaven. God is not ashamed of them and has prepared heaven for them!

Paul uses as an example of faith the Israel’s Patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is further demonstrated by Israel’s first human savior, Joseph. Moses is the next. He had to make many choices using only his uncompromising faith in God, as he lead the children of Israel out of Egypt through the Red Sea, also keeping the Passover by faith. Many other believers are commended for their faith although the testimony of these faithful followers was good, the fact is clear that the promise that was to be given in the New Testament gospels was not known to them at that time. Many others suffered greatly but remained steadfast in the faith. They are to be commended for their faith which enabled them to stay faithful to God in the face of such cruel opposition and persecution. Under God, these people—and others who followed in their footsteps—should be our real heroes, not today’s passing celebrities of stage, screen, music, sport and politics. Verses 39-40 provides us with as the author wrote the unbeatable climax. Although the testimony of these faithful followers was good, we are privileged to have received ‘something better’, namely the clear gospel promise that was unavailable to them in such clarity. For this reason, one day we will be perfected with these people whose faith was in God.

I have relied heavily on the Bible Panorama in the above two paragraphs. I acknowledge that to give proper credit and to also make a point. As I wrote earlier the commentaries and bible study resources are in abundance in the world wide web. We can as laymen share with each other and lead others to this rich resource, allowing us to grow in faith and service to our Lord. As we read in Romans 10: 14-15

14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”

 I pray that we might be those feet and bring the good news!

Thanks for joining me “In The Pew”. Hope you come back next week. jkc

 

Resources:  **Bible Panorama / NLT Hebrews 11