Hebrews 11:32-34

Summary retelling of Hebrews 11:32-34

The author of Hebrews confesses that there are many more examples of faith in God’s Word: Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, all the prophets.  Through faith, these people did amazing things like conquering nations, enforcing justice, obtaining promises, stopping the mouths of lions, surviving the destructive nature of fire, surviving the physical assaults of other human beings.  Through faith they became strong in their weakness.  Through faith they became mighty in battle. Through faith, godless nations ran from them.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

The author lists many names on this list.  There are far more that aren’t even on this list.  Of the ones that are on the list, they have some pretty deep and serious character flaws.  But the author’s point in making the list is that there are literally hundreds of examples of faithful people in the Bible.  When we need an example in our life, there is a story in God’s Word waiting to teach us what we need to hear.

How awesome is God’s Word that it contains such a variety of stories of characters?  Have you ever thought of the Bible as a written testimony of other people’s faith?  What emphasis does this put on us sharing our faith?

Second Thought:

Through faith, these people did amazing things.  David conquered nations that were stronger than the Hebrew people through God.  Elijah made an incredible burnt offering sacrifice to God under incredible opposition.  Elisha saw many people healed of their conditions through faith in God.  Under King Josiah, a nearly impossible religious reform occurred.  Under King Hezekiah Jerusalem was spared the wrath of God at the hands of the Assyrians.  Faith causes amazing things to happen.

Are all amazing things events on a national scale?  Do amazing things ever happen between one or two people?  What amazing things have you seen in your life?

Third Thought:

The author is also making the point that God is behind all of this.  People become strong through God.  Through God, people become mighty and conquer the people or things that oppose them.  Through God, our enemies flee.  The world knows it cannot battle truth and it cannot win against God.  It can try, but it cannot succeed.  This is often why the world fights hardest before people have a chance to become strong in God.

How has God made you strong when you could have been week?  How has God made you victorious when by your own efforts and preparation you could have failed?

Passage for Tomorrow: Hebrews 11:35-38