And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.
Hebrews 11:32-24
Last week in Florida we visited with some old friends who treated us to a fireworks display near their condo. Anyone who has witnessed a fireworks display knows that it often starts slowly and then builds to a grand finale of lights and flashes and a lot of noise.
As I have been working through the book of Hebrews, it reminded me of the display of faith we have seen in Hebrews 11. Early in in the chapter we are reminded of the faith of Abel who worshiped God, of Enoch who walked with God, Noah who obeyed God in Faith, Abraham who was counted righteous because he believed God. The Sarah , Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses are all displays of faith for all of us to see. Then in a rapid sequence we see the parting of the Red Sea, the walls of Jerricho fall and Rahab is saved.
The Grand Finale of Faith as the writer of Hebrews encourages each of us. Take a minute to read the final verses of Hebrews 11. First a list of more heroes and then a rush of nameless people who lived their lives looking forward to a better place.
Can you see the extravagance of the display all because the people were focused on a better place? A better promise. God rewards faith that endures.
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