Heroes of Faith

Examples from the past to the believers of this
In writing the letter to the Hebrews, the author was faced with a challenge: to show the superiority of Jews converted to Christianity from Judaism. The Old Testament religion was very tied to issues visible, sacred objects, holy places and special people. All this was consistent with that stage of divine revelation. The gospel, however, shifts the emphasis to the invisible, accessible through faith. The recipients of this letter needed to relieve, in a sense, all that tangible heritage, under penalty of being stuck in a stage that should have been overcome. Everything would work as an anchor that, although useful in the past, became impediment to spiritual progress. The detachment was necessary for those brothers could reach a new level in their experiences with God.
To support its argument that faith is superior and the just shall live by it (Heb.10.38), the author presents in Chapter 11, a list of characters of the Old Testament, showing that they also depended on the faith in your relationship with God and become righteous before him (11.7). Of special importance is the fact that the first people on the list lived before there was Judaism, the Mosaic law, the temple and its rituals.
Visible or invisible - living by faith or by sight. The chapter presents a confrontation between the visible and invisible. In some cases, the unseen refers to what is spiritual (11.6), in others, it is what does not yet exist or has not yet been reached. So the servants of God depended on the faith and thereby were able to wait for what God has promised, or walking in the direction given by him (11.1).
The circumstances could attract the focus of the characters for this visible, was the immediate problem (the barrenness of Sarah, for example - v.11) or the immediate benefit (treasures of Egypt - v.26). It was necessary courage and determination to continue into the future planned by God.
We also live this struggle every day, at the risk of being overwhelmed by trials and temptations of the visible reality, often contrary to what we believe and hope.
Visible and invisible are in Hebrews 11, verses 1, 3, 6, 7, 8, 13, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27.
Wait or act? The heroes of faith have kept hope and act. The life of faith is always characterized by these two attitudes, opposing each other.There is waiting time and action time. May God give us wisdom to discern from one another. It's like happening on the car: there is time to move on and stop time, depending on the signs or road conditions. May the Lord help us to understand its direction and its signs.
Hebrews 11 contains the concept of "heritage", which presupposes the wait (v. 7, 8, 9). Haste, haste and immediacy are contrary to the faith. On the other hand, the convenience and inaction are too. You must know the right time to identify and then act.
Modern man is increasingly impatient, wanting instant results, even if not durable. This kind of attitude does not match a life of faith.
Attitudes are waiting cited or implied in Hebrews 11:1, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 28, 30. But what stands out most in the chapter is the characters' actions. Faith and directed.
Most people claim to have faith, but you need to know in what they believe. It should be noted that the faith of these men was in God (Heb.11.6). That chapter does not serve to justify the faith in any thing, person, or holy spirit, but a belief properly directed.
Diversity of characters. The list involves men (v. 4, 5, 7, etc.), women (v. 11), single (v.24), married (v.8), children (v. 23), young (v.9) adults (v.24), elderly (v.21, 22), rich (v. 8) and poor (v. 31). We read about the experience of husbands (v. 7, 8), wives (v. 11, 35), children (v. 17), fathers (v. 8, 20, 21, 22), judges (v.32) prophets (v.32) and a king (v.32). There are episodes involving parents and children (v. 20), grandparents and grandchildren (v.21), leaders (v.24, 32) and the people (v.29). Experiences are individual, family and collective, even involving the whole nation of Israel. Not to say the chapter is strictly Jewish, we have here a Canaanite woman, Rahab, the harlot.
Abel, Enoch and Noah were not Jews. This demonstrates that there is a national exclusivity in the relationship with the Lord.
Such variety allows us to conclude that there is room for all kinds of people in the kingdom of God. Jacob and Rahab are examples of people with character and behavior, but who believed in God and were transformed by it.
None of us should think that is excluded from the possibility of having a glorious experience with the Lord by faith, since it calls to all, not a respecter of persons (At.10.34).
Crisis is opportunity Many of the examples cited in Hebrews 11 that involve crisis, crossed with faith, were turned into big wins. If the lives of those men had been absolutely quiet, their names would not be in the gallery of faith.
Faced with serious problems (v.11) and humanly insurmountable obstacles (v. 30), insurmountable, they persevered, and won progress.
Moses said, being mentioned in several verses (v.23-29). Faced various challenges in different phases of life in places and situations. Result: several exceedances. We have, in your example, peculiarities of formation of a great leader.
All the heroes of faith faced many difficulties. So they had great experiences, and in each one of them, knew the Lord a little more.
Therefore, I gladly accept our struggles, because they become our only and obvious opportunities for victory. I do not mean that we should accommodate the face of problems, but take them as facts necessary in life, provided they are not caused by ourselves.
If there is a kind of prayer wrong, contradictory and that God does not answer is this: "Lord, you avoid all sorts of trouble in my life and it causes me to be a mature Christian, strong and experienced."
As someone may have well developed muscles without lifting weights? On the other hand, we can not provoke attacks on our own. It would be like jumping from the pinnacle of the temple so that angels hold in (Mt.4.6).
It is also important to note that the crisis does not get positive automatically. It depends on how we behave in front of it, if we are passive, to act on their own or in accordance with God's guidance.For example, Noah won the flood because he followed the divine instructions (Heb.11.7).
In the water, you can sink or float. There are two opposing facts, but both obey the laws of physics. Thus, in the same situation in which some sink, some float because they perform specific procedures derived from faith. They are living under a higher law, the law of the Spirit of life (Rm.8.1-2). Some drown in a bucket of water and who survive on the ocean.
HEROES OF FAITH His victories were rooted in the word of God.
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb.11.1), but it also has a foundation: the Word of God (Rm.10.17). Otherwise, we may be believing in things that are invisible nonexistent just a figment of human imagination.
The legitimate faith is that which comes the word. It does not help believing in something simply because we want, but if we believe because God has spoken, then we have reason to believe sufficient and safe. Our special requests can only be met if they are consistent with the Word of God (IJo.5.14-15) and its specific purpose for each one of us.
Just as faith runs through the 11th chapter of Hebrews, so does the word of God. It is there all the time, as a backdrop to the events narrated.
Some examples: - Noah's faith was grounded in the word, in God's warning of the flood (v.7).
- Abraham's faith was grounded in the word of God: the so-called in the order and the promise (v. 8).
- Sarah's faith was established on the same word: the promise (v. 11). We see that the word of God takes many forms: notice, order, calling, promise, etc.. We must be careful not to reject the warning, do not disobey the order and not neglect the call. Everyone wants the good promises he took them up on loan in the Bible, but we should not be selective in accepting what God tells us, as this would be detrimental to our faith and our experience, even as the fulfillment of many promises is conditional obedience to orders which the Lord gives us.
We can say that all the heroes of faith walked on the promise. This is the word of God that permeates the whole chapter (v. 9, 11, 13, 17, 33, 39). It's about the word that everything happens for those who believe. Thus faith operates to fulfill the will of God and not human whim.
The value of the word reminds us of the value of knowledge.Ignorance breeds fear and superstition, but the knowledge of the word produces the true faith. For this to happen, we must receive the word and one of the main ways to do it is by hearing (Rm.10.17). Those who neglect to listen to impede their growth in faith (Heb.5.11-14).
God spoke his word, but who heard? Who has believed? (Is.53.1; Rm.10.16).
Faced with a fact / crisis, which can be illustrated by the flood, the ignorant (unaware that the word of God) becomes the victim. The believer and the unbeliever knowledgeable negligence, omission and liability are also destroyed. It's no good knowing or believing without believing without deciding, without acting.
The faith of the parents for the children. Most of the examples cited in Hebrews 11, faith and the act mentioned belong to the same person. However, the first quote about Moses brings interesting details: By faith Moses was hidden for three months (v.23). In this case, the faith of their fathers were.The parents' relationship with God becomes a protection for the children until they can think for themselves (v.24), make your choices (v.25), identify the true values ​​of life (v.26) and renounceofferings of this world (v. 27).
The opposite is also true. The unbelief of the parents subject their children to varying degrees of damage in this world (though not prevent the salvation of infants not yet reached the age of reason).
The text of verse 23 might be: "By faith Moses' parents hid him not.They went with him through the streets of Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king. " Of course, this "verse" does not exist. A supposed daring motivated by faith could produce an act of madness. Faith does not dispense wisdom and knowledge. We do not preach a faith inconsequential. Sometimes confrontation is inevitable, but this is not always the case. May God give us wisdom to discern between one and one situation.
The chapter also shows us the faith of his grandfather Jacob benefits of his grandsons Ephraim and Manasseh (Heb.11.21; Gn.48.1).
Faith must be demonstrated by action. Just as faith and the word of God, human action runs through the 11th chapter of Hebrews.
It's a great honor to have your name mentioned in the hall of faith (a list of persons approved by God), but many Old Testament figures were not remembered. What was the method of the author to select the characters mentioned here? Someone might reply that the criterion was the faith of each one. However, knowing that you can not see or measure the faith, we conclude that the names were chosen according to their actions, accomplishments, achievements or resistance, which served as clear evidence of their faith.
No matter how much we believe, if we do nothing. Faith is like love.Both must be expressed in attitudes and actions more than words.Otherwise they will be questionable, called into question. So wrote James, "Faith without works is dead" (Tg.2.26).
Faith is like money in the bank. While not used, will have real utility.We know that "without faith it is impossible to please God" (Heb.11.6), but this does not mean that please God only by faith. It must be accompanied by obedience or spontaneous action. The same verse 6 says that God is the rewarder of those who "seek", not just those who believe in him. Some examples:
By faith, Abel did, bringing an offering (v.4), Enoch walked with God (v.5), and Noah built the ark (v. 6), Abraham left the land (v. 8) and later offered up Isaac (v.17). By faith Isaac blessed his sons (v. 20), Jacob blessed his grandchildren and loved the Lord (v.21). By faith Joseph prophesied the departure of Israel from Egypt (v. 22).By faith Moses refused to be called son of Pharaoh's daughter (v.24). By faith Moses kept the passover, and left Egypt (prior to liberation celebration? Only by faith) (v.27, 28). By faith, Israel crossed the Red Sea (v.29). By faith Joshua conquered Jericho (v. 30). By faith Rahab received the spies (v. 31). Other subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, etc. (v.33).
Beware the temptation to believe in everything and not doing anything. Many believe in the Bible, but not read. Believe in the importance of fasting, but not fast, does not offer, do not help, do not work. It is a kind of faith empty and unproductive, a way to fool yourself.
Faith is invisible, but it needs to produce visible results. Faith is spiritual, but it needs to have an effect on natural life. Only then there will be a good testimony of our experience with God.
This is not an overvaluation of works, or motivating them to consider the salvation, but only treat them as important as actual and necessary results of faith.
The belief in God must be accompanied by coherent attitudes.
Faith is related to the action, but not just isolated acts. Must be linked to a coherent way of life. The chapter highlights some ethical elements that must accompany faith.
In fact, the faith of those characters was always accompanied by other virtues. Faith does not exempt a righteous life. This does not mean that it occurs only in the heart of the pure and innocent.However, their result should be the purification of those who possess it.
We observe the ethical question, for example, when Moses refused to be called the son of the daughter of Pharaoh, choosing to suffer with the people of God, considering the reproach of Christ more precious than the treasures of Egypt. We are thus talking about values ​​and priorities based on faith and commitment to God.
Acts of God Just as we have human actions following the faith around the 11th chapter of Hebrews, so does the divine actions. God acts in the lives of those who believe and put faith into action. Sometimes the action of the Lord is hidden in the episode, should be implied (v.29, 30, 33, 34, 35).
We have therefore the following: God speaks, the man believes, man acts, God acts. The Lord works in favor of those who believe (Is.64.4).
Without the divine actions, human actions were insufficient, insignificant, ineffective and useless.
Here are some acts of God in Hebrews 11: - He gave testimony on Abel (v. 4). - Traslades Enoch (v. 5). - He gave a son to Abraham and Sarah (v.11). - Prepared a city (v.16). - He opened the sea (v.29). - Broke down the walls of Jericho (v. 30). - Raise the dead (v.35).
In all the episodes mentioned in the chapter, human action involves what is possible. Then, God does the impossible. In the case of Jericho, for example, people could surround the city. So, should do it because God commanded. The Lord could have said: "Stay in your tents, sleeping while I break down the walls." Not at all. We should not think that God will do everything alone. He wants our participation, within our possibilities, and especially according to what he has commanded us.
Diversity of experiences. The text of Hebrews 11 mentions several situations, from simple (v.9) to complex (v.34), involving the faith, showing various aspects of life, not to be restricted to any of them in our relationship with God. Just follow the example of Abel? It boils down to supply? Not at all. We must also learn from the other characters. This shows us that God is watching everything from the most common situations to the most challenging.
We also observed that God always works the same way. Some facts are similar by faith. Others are quite different. Noah and his family inside the ark floated on the water (v. 7). But Israel crossed on dry ground in the midst of the waters.
Some, by faith, escaped death: Enoch (v. 5), Noah and his family in the flood (v. 7), Israel in the Red Sea (v.29), Rahab at Jericho (v. 31). Others, however, the same faith, faced death, or were killed (V.37).
Some, because they believed, escaped the edge of the sword (v.34). Others, by the faith, were killed with the sword (V.37). Some, by faith, were released (v.29). Others were arrested (v.36). Some were visibly victorious (v.34), while others were apparently defeated (v.36-37). The verses may seem contradictory, but are not.
Maybe we want a default, but God acts according to need, and especially with your purpose. For example, there are those who preach that every child of God must be materially rich, but the Bible teaches no such thing. There is a biblical standard in this regard.
Another apparent contradiction in Hebrews 11 is that some heroes of the faith obtained promises (v.33), but others, like the early believers did not reach (v.13, 39). This may seem unfair and extremely frustrating, but you must remember that the effects of faith are not limited in this life. Another important aspect is that the promises would be fulfilled in the lives of descendants, especially in Christ, the church finally and fully in heavenly glory.
The main goal of faith is spiritual The victory of the heroes of the faith is not limited to this world. The story of Abel, for example, seems a failure, brought an offering to the Lord and was murdered by his brother (v. 4).
The story of Abraham also may seem disappointing. After traveling to the promised land, did not take possession of it (v. 9). He was living there in tents, moving from side to side.
Many of them died without reaching the promise (v. 13), but they were faithful unto death, believing that the Lord had prepared a heavenly city (v.16).
Many expect that faith gives them an affluent life in this world, but God has not promised us that. We need to have their eyes fixed on the sky, thinking about things that are above (Col.3.1-4), laying up treasures in heaven (Mt.6.20), waiting for our entry into the heavenly glory, knowing that we are not of this world, as well as Jesus is not.
Every honest achievement in this world will be welcome, as the tents of Abraham (v. 9), but we must be aware that our homeland is not here. The characteristics of the tent, a type of temporary housing, we demonstrate in this world and the transience of earthly transience. We are here only pilgrims, strangers (v. 13).
Our faith should be enough to walk with God in this world, as Enoch walked, but more importantly will be our shuttle when the Lord will take him (v.5).
The victory of the men was not restricted to earthly life and material prosperity.
Reading the verses 4, 5, 13, 19, 21, 22, 35 and 37 of Hebrews 11, we see that the chapter points to a later time to physical death, although many also cite experiences in this life. Note, especially, the references to the resurrection on 19 and 35.
Such is the power of faith. A belief restricted to this world would be a miserable, as Paul said (ICo.15.19).
The transcendence of faith stands out, for example, when the author says Abel, being dead yet speaketh (v.4). Of course, this is a figure for the testimony that Abel has left for posterity.
In saying that Jacob was dying, blessed his grandchildren and loved God (v.21), and Joseph, also near death, prophesied (v. 22) demonstrated that in adverse situations and difficult, they were full of faith and not dominated by sadness. When everything may seem over, they knew that was not the end.
Side effects of faith - suffering. We can list the positive effects of faith given in Hebrews 11, and that these are often quoted. But faith has also produced negative effects, namely, loss, persecution, renunciation, suffering and death. After all, faith must be proved.
To enter the ark, Noah had to renounce all that he could not carry.Before winning a new world, he had to renounce the ancient world.Other renounced worldly things and their only win was spiritual. If this sounds like prejudice, is because of our distorted vision.
Some examples cited in the chapter are contrary to the triumphalism and the kind of prosperity proclaimed by some people as if everything were to work always, as human expectations for those who believe.
The materialistic mentality prevalent in today would produce a "gallery of faith" like this:
"By faith Abel brought an offering to the Lord and was blessed with the multiplication of his sheep."
"By faith Enoch walked with God and became the richest man of his time." "By faith Noah and the flood was canceled prayed."
"By faith Abraham broke the curse of barrenness of Sarah, especially after he became separated from her and married Hagar."
"By faith, Moses prayed, became Pharaoh and the ten plagues upon Egypt did not come."
This was the triumphalism of faith seasoned with humanistic and hedonistic. Such phrases are used to evaluate the kind of expectation we feed today, as if God were required to solve the problems in our own way.
Thinking so, it seems that the heroes of faith have failed, but we know not. It seems that relationships with God today are generally selfish. We must have a relationship with the Lord of son and father, an unconditional bond, regardless of material and earthly rewards results. In extreme situations, we must be certain that God can deliver us (Dn.3.17), but if he does not want (Dn.3.18), it will be a greater purpose. God can also, as occurred in some biblical episodes, bringing glorious solutions (Dn.3.25; Heb.11.34), although different than we imagine, out of our schedule and our schedule. God's plan may be different from ours, and is usually (Is.55.8-9).
Peter, in a moment of evil influence, had this kind of triumphalist thinking about Jesus and chided the crucifixion: "Lord, no way this will happen to you" (Mt.16.21-22). However, a plan that would end in resurrection could not avoid death.
God can accomplish extraordinary deliverances, but not always will. Jesus reminded of it when I was in Gethsemane (Mt.26.53).
All the heroes of faith were successful, winning, successful, but not the way most people imagine. Some may not have had big gains on the ground, but in heaven. The text says that God is "rewards those who earnestly seek him" (Heb.11.6) and the reward is not given here. There's no point insisting.
So, back to the reality of Hebrews 11, which was glorious, although it was not easy.
"Others had trial of mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, were sawn asunder, were killed with the sword, wandered about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, tormented "(Heb.11.36-37).
We know that these occurrences refer to the Old Testament, and some may use this argument to claim that we live in a very different reality, but let us not forget the sufferings of the apostle Paul in the New Testament, as the same type (IICor.11.23-27 ). If he were here today, would hear something like this: "Paul, you are in sin. This is a hereditary curse in your life. You need to be liberated. "
Fact is that many servants of God, mentioned throughout the Bible, because it assumed suffered the reproach of Christ before they can share in his glory (Heb.11.26).
Sufferings occur for various reasons, including the sin, but sometimes, we suffer through faith in Christ. These are undesirable side effects, but normal, varying from person to person as to the type and intensity. We can not preach a gospel triumphalist, illusory, as our passage through this world was free of mishaps.Many fights are coming in, followed by many victories, though some of them only materialize in the sky.
The conversion does not exempt us from suffering in this world.Some pain ends and another begins. This happens, for example, with the unemployed who joins the army. Many of his problems are over, but this does not mean he will have a quiet life.
The life of every Christian's life as a soldier. Today may be a quiet day tomorrow is a day of fighting. It is normal. The exercises are constant and injuries as well, but the final victory is assured.
Side effects of faith - to the annoyance of many. The heroes of faith pleased God (v.5, 6). In contrast, displeased many people, even if unintentionally. We can not please everybody all the time.
Abel pleased God and was displeased with Cain.
The victory becomes a great annoyance to the other, yet there is no competition between them. The problem is selfishness, which generates envy. Noah displeased his contemporaries with his preaching.
Abraham displeased his family when he left Ur of the Chaldees.
Isaac Esau displeased
Moses was displeased with the daughter of Pharaoh, injuring, perhaps, their feelings of adoptive mother (v. 24).
Moses was displeased with Pharaoh, when brought Israel out of Egypt.
Raabe displeased the emissaries of the king, she received the scribes. The conquering of the promised land displeased their former owners. Other displeased both the many who suffered for it (v.36, 37, 38). Those who choose to serve God displease many people, including themselves, knowing that the purpose of their lives is to please the heavenly Father (Gal.1.10).
HEROES OF FAITH Men who walked on the promise, abandoning the past and conquering the future.
An interesting way to analyze the 11th chapter of Hebrews is observing the geographical information, the places mentioned or implied, are cities, nations or kingdoms, some of which are in symbolic opposition.
Abraham must resign to Ur of the Chaldees to reach Canaan. With the same purpose, Moses and the people of Israel had to give up Egypt. Check the time of Joshua, had to destroy Jericho to take possession of the land.
In all cases, and also in ours, the final destination is the heavenly country, the New Jerusalem (Heb.12.22).
So we set about in the same way, the need for renunciation, which means loss. It is understood also that one must move, jogging, walking. The Christian life is a journey and not a parking lot.
We can not have everything at once: the kingdoms of the world and the kingdom of heaven. Today, with the agility of the means of transport, it is possible for someone to have breakfast in Jerusalem, in Jericho lunch and dine in Egypt. Spiritually, however, can not do this in order to take advantage of the sin and the Christian life together.
God sent out, abandon, destroy. We should go back and rebuild, although this is possible (v.14-15). Our journey with God should be of no return, with one-way ticket.
The heroes of faith could come back (back - Heb.10.39) if they wished, but preferred not remember where they came from (Heb.11.14-15).
They exceeded expectations, possibilities, boundaries, barriers, borders, and especially themselves.
Change city in the case of Abraham, for example, would imply a change of life, culture and interferes with your way of being, thinking and speaking. So what should happen to leave the kingdom of darkness and enter the kingdom of light through the conversion.
The gallery of failures Whenever we talk about the heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11, but the chapter also brings the list of losers.
The chapter contains two sides, although we always see only the positive. For every name that won that victory by faith, other characters, the same episodes, failed for not having faith, or not act, or act without faith.
Here are some elements of the "new list": - Cain, who offered a bid without faith (v. 4). - Enoch's contemporaries, who did not walk with God (those who went when he disappeared) (v.5). - Noah's contemporaries who did not enter the ark (identified in the text as "the world" condemned by God) (v. 7). - Abraham's contemporaries who remained in Ur because they knew God and were outside their purposes (v.8). - Esau, which appears only as an extra in Hebrews 11:20, he sold his birthright. His case is also reminded in Hebrews 12:16. - Pharaoh, who ordered the killing of the boys at the time of Moses (v. 23, 24). - The Egyptians who drowned in the Red Sea after the passage of Israel (v.29). - The residents of Jericho, called "disobedient," who died while Rahab was saved (v. 31). - The enemy soldiers were defeated (v.34). - The murderers who killed the servants of God (V.37).
In addition to actions motivated by faith, the chapter also makes you realize the failure, disobedience and evil actions performed by unbelievers. Some acts worth mentioning: the offering of Cain (v.4), which looked so good, but it was rejected by God, and attempt to cross the Red Sea by the Egyptians. They tried to emulate the people of God, but drowning (v.29).
Such actions without faith are not pleasing to God. They are ineffective and can be harmful. You can not put faith in actions, rituals, in the words, even biblical, as if by itself, could produce something. Every experience God in Hebrews 11 is reported based on relationships, commitment to God. Therefore, the Egyptians could not cross the sea. 


Spiritually, however, can not do this in order to take advantage of the sin and the Christian life together.
God sent out, abandon, destroy. We should go back and rebuild, although this is possible (v.14-15). Our journey with God should be of no return, with one-way ticket.
The heroes of faith could come back (back - Heb.10.39) if they wished, but preferred not remember where they came from (Heb.11.14-15).
They exceeded expectations, possibilities, boundaries, barriers, borders, and especially themselves.
Change city in the case of Abraham, for example, would imply a change of life, culture and interferes with your way of being, thinking and speaking. So what should happen to leave the kingdom of darkness and enter the kingdom of light through the conversion.
The gallery of failures Whenever we talk about the heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11, but the chapter also brings the list of losers.
The chapter contains two sides, although we always see only the positive. For every name that won that victory by faith, other characters, the same episodes, failed for not having faith, or not act, or act without faith.
Here are some elements of the "new list": - Cain, who offered a bid without faith (v. 4). - Enoch's contemporaries, who did not walk with God (those who went when he disappeared) (v.5). - Noah's contemporaries who did not enter the ark (identified in the text as "the world" condemned by God) (v. 7). - Abraham's contemporaries who remained in Ur because they knew God and were outside their purposes (v.8). - Esau, which appears only as an extra in Hebrews 11:20, he sold his birthright. His case is also reminded in Hebrews 12:16. - Pharaoh, who ordered the killing of the boys at the time of Moses (v. 23, 24). - The Egyptians who drowned in the Red Sea after the passage of Israel (v.29). - The residents of Jericho, called "disobedient," who died while Rahab was saved (v. 31). - The enemy soldiers were defeated (v.34). - The murderers who killed the servants of God (V.37).
In addition to actions motivated by faith, the chapter also makes you realize the failure, disobedience and evil actions performed by unbelievers. Some acts worth mentioning: the offering of Cain (v.4), which looked so good, but it was rejected by God, and attempt to cross the Red Sea by the Egyptians. They tried to emulate the people of God, but drowning (v.29).
Such actions without faith are not pleasing to God. They are ineffective and can be harmful. You can not put faith in actions, rituals, in the words, even biblical, as if by itself, could produce something. Every experience God in Hebrews 11 is reported based on relationships, commitment to God. Therefore, the Egyptians could not cross the sea. Likewise, no benefit or blessing will come from baptism, supper, prayer, fasting, provision, anointing with oil, praise or even the bible for those who do not want a commitment to God (Mt.3.7). Are these just empty and useless acts.
The list of failures is far more numerous than the list of heroes. In situations where a believer is saved, thousands of infidels were destroyed. So if this whole story has two sides (faith and unbelief), most were on the wrong side. Each one chooses the side that wants to be. Moses chose (Heb.11.24-29). He could live as a prince for the rest of his days, but decided to take his status as a Hebrew, a member of an enslaved people. Rahab, who was a Canaanite prostitute, believed in God and became part of Israel (v. 31).
All the heroes of the faith have chosen the side and they would be made voluntarily (v.14-15).
As bad as that was our origin, condition or situation, each of us can also choose: to believe in God, the path of faith, have transformed life and be saved.
Therefore, we also ... (Heb.12.1)
The men of the Old Testament had faith relationship with God, but they knew not the Lord Jesus Christ, but through the Messianic hope (v.26). Therefore, Chapter 11 ends with these words: "God having provided something better for us so that they without us should not be made perfect" (Heb.11.40).
The glory of these men will be complete when the church into heaven, and this will only happen because of the work of Christ on the cross.
The church has a noble mission to complete the story of Hebrews 11. Therefore, chapter 12 begins:
"Therefore we also, because we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and sin that so easily beset us, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith ... "
Chapter 12 applies to us the lessons of the previous chapter. The purpose of Hebrews 11 is not magnify the heroes of faith, but to show them as examples. We will not copy your actions, but learn spiritual principles demonstrated in their lives.
If the text says: "Therefore we also .." this means that the operations of God were not restricted to the past. It can do wonders today. Let us be the heroes of faith in our time. It will not be easy, but through the church, the glory of God is manifest in this world.
Author: Renato de Andrade Anísio Pr