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A devotional reflection on Heb 11:32 and its implications…
Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the “Hall of Faith.” The author emphasizes the necessity of faith in God—without which it is impossible to please him (11:6). He then begins a journey through the OT. 1/11
Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the “Hall of Faith.” The author emphasizes the necessity of faith in God—without which it is impossible to please him (11:6). He then begins a journey through the OT. 1/11
He shows how various figures from Israel’s history displayed their faith in God by their deeds. We're told of what Noah did by faith, what Abraham did by faith, Sarah, Joseph, Moses—even Rahab the prostitute demonstrated her faith in the God of Israel by her actions. 2/11
Then we get to v. 32, in which the author tells us that he’s running out of time: “And what more can I say? Time is too short for me to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah.”
Stop. Do those names concern you? 3/11
Stop. Do those names concern you? 3/11
We don’t typically run to the book of Judges for examples of faith and faithfulness. Recall the refrain from Judges: “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did whatever seemed right to him” (Judg 21:25; see 17:6; 18:1; 19:1). 4/11
When you think of examples of faith in the Bible, do Gideon, Barak, Samson, and Jephthah pop into your head? Are they even in your top 20?
And yet here they are in the inspired text of Scripture as examples of faith. 5/11
And yet here they are in the inspired text of Scripture as examples of faith. 5/11
Consider them for a moment. Gideon wouldn't trust and obey until the Lord gave him a sign—repeatedly. Barak refused to fight the Lord’s enemies unless Deborah accompanied him. Jephthah incomprehensibly sacrificed his own daughter! And Samson—well, where do I start? 6/11
The sins of these men are obvious and grotesque. But Tom Schreiner helpfully observes, "It is not the sins and faults of these men that are remembered (he doesn't mention the faults of any of them!) but their faith and trust in God" (Commentary on Hebrews, 369). 7/11
This bears repeating: On this side of the cross, when the Word of God highlights these followers of God, their sins are nowhere to be seen. Instead they are commended for their deeds of faith done in the name of the God who saves. 8/11
It’s not as if the author of Hebrews is simply overlooking their sins or forgetting that sin demands judgment. You can’t read this letter’s defense of the once-for-all atoning death of Christ for sinners and come away thinking the author is soft on sin. 9/11
Rather, the author's omission of the sins of these 4 judges of Israel is a reminder of the love and efficacy of the cross of Christ. It’s also a reminder that (once again) faith pleases God (see Heb 11:6). 10/11
Thus, names that initially made me uncomfortable fill me now with hope. If the sacrifice of Jesus wipes away the ugly sins of these seriously flawed men so that they're instead praised for their acts of faith, then (praise Jesus) there is hope for me. 11/11
