I have not time to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson

I have not time to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson. 

If you’re a sports fan, you have probably heard about various halls of fame, places where illustrious athletes are commemorated with statues, stories, and scraps of memorabilia.   But have you heard of the Hall of Faith?

That’s what some people call this chapter in the Letter to the Hebrews because it reads like a roster of Old Testament heroes: Moses, Sarah, Rahab, Joseph, and many more.   Despite setbacks, hardships, and even moral failures, these heroes finished the race.   Because they kept the faith, their lives brought glory to God and inspire us to press on in faith.   Of course we should celebrate them!

But the author of Hebrews didn’t end this chapter by celebrating these heroes.   Instead, he shifted his attention to his readers—and to your life.   These ancient saints have passed the baton on to you.   Now it’s your turn to run the race and keep the faith.   How does that make you feel?

Maybe you feel like you could never measure up to such lofty figures.   You’re just a little person in a big world.   No one even knows your name.   Besides, you don’t feel all that holy.

That’s okay.   God sees you.   He sees the work you’re doing.   He sees your faithfulness.   He sees your repentance when you fall.   And he wants you to know that you can glorify the Lord just as the ancient ones did.   Remember, he loves using little people, even anonymous people.   In fact, the last portion of this Hall of Faith is devoted to unnamed heroes (Hebrews 11:35-38).   Even the author of Hebrews is never named, and Bible scholars still aren’t sure who he might have been.

So take heart.   Even if you feel insignificant, God has not forgotten about you.   He knows your name, and he wants to make you his representative in the world.

Never doubt that God has prepared a spot in the Hall of Faith just for you.   Each and every sacrifice you have made captivates his heart.   Each and every minute you carve out for prayer brings joy to his heart.   Each and every act of service brings him immense glory.

Keep up the good work!   God has greater things in store for you (Hebrews 11:40).

Word Among Us