Ancient Heroes

Backstory:
The author of Hebrews spent the majority of the book trying to help the Jews understand the differences between Judaism and Christianity as well as clarifying the implications of putting one’s faith in Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews selected some of the heroes of the Old Testament to illustrate how faith motivated them and led them forward as God’s people.

God’s Story:
Faith is the basis of all that it means to be my child. It is what makes my people strong and enables them to endure their transitory time on earth until they are able to settle into their eternal home. Throughout history, some of my children have shown exceptional faith in me and my plan. My plan, of course, has always been to have a wonderfully close relationship with my children. Sin, however, broke us apart, and I have been trying to get them back ever since. This select group of children worked with me in this task. They believed in what they could not see. They trusted and obeyed, and they are examples for all who hope and have faith in me.

Read Hebrews 11:1-40

Your Story:
Hebrews 11 contains quite a list of Old Testament people who demonstrated extraordinary faith in God throughout their lifetime. Although circumstances are much different today than they were in ancient Israel, how would you measure up to those on this list? If your family or your church were to gather a similar list of contemporary names, what would you be commended for?