Hero’s of Faith

Great men of old were great because of what God was able to accomplish with their lack of greatness. Men of faith who God used to work his will. At times we think we are not good enough, wise enough, lacking ability to live for God. And yet, throughout time God has used ordinary people like you and me to work His righteousness and do His will. May it inspire us to let the Lord work His will in our lives, and catch a glimpse of what, “true greatness” is.

There have been many, many famous and powerful men and women in the world. History is full of them, from kings and queens, to mighty warriors, inventors, presidents, athletes, intellectuals, musicians, preachers and teachers, both rich and poor, to whom we owe much for the world we live in. Yet, they are only exercising the gifts and talents given them by God. God’s greatness is in the heart of man which crosses all walks of life,  vocations and social climes; from the rich to the poor, and the king to the beggar. They are all the same; life only gave them different opportunities. They all can experience true greatness in the Lord.

Noah built a boat; not just an ordinary one, but a very large one on dry land. Up until that point it had never rained.  Over one hundred years he worked on it, preaching to the people, warning them of the destruction to come if they would not repent of their wickedness, but no one listened. People must have thought he was crazy. Yet God found him to be a righteous man, who through his faith and obedience the human race was preserved.

Moses was supposed to die with all the other Israelite babies in Egypt, but God decided otherwise. He went on to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, in spite of being a murderer and slow of speech. He was said to be the meekest man who ever lived.

King Saul, chosen by God to be the first king of Israel, hid among the stuff and was small in his own eyes until jealousy overtook him. Through the pride of his heart he lost the kingdom as well as his life.

King David was a shepherd, who became a mighty man of war. Even so, he sinned grievously when he had Uriah killed so he could have his wife. He committed other sins as well, but he humbled himself and became a man after God’s own heart.

Elijah the prophet worked miracles, but soon fled for his life, when threatened by the queen. God found him where he was in the wilderness and brought him back home to appoint his successor, Elisha. He did not die, but was taken to heaven with a chariot of fire.

Elisha ask for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit, and was granted his wish. It is said, he did twice as many miracles in his lifetime than Elijah.

Our Lord while on the earth, chose a variety of common men to be his followers. Men  who would fulfill his plan after he went back to heaven. Common laborers, fishermen,  a tax collector, a zealot, and Judas who was a thief and betrayed him.

Apostle Peter, though he denied Christ, went on to preform many acts of miracles, and God used him to introduce the Gospel of Christ to the Gentile race. In the end he was crucified for his faith, albeit he was crucified head down as he did not feel worthy to die in the same manner as his Lord. He was a fisherman.

Apostle Paul was a murderer, intent on destroying the Christian church, who after his vision on the road to Damascus, became a powerful messenger of Christ. He wrote many letters of encouragement and instruction, of which we are beneficiaries of today.

There are so many more great men an women in the Bible that through the power of God became mighty warriors of the faith. Common people, empowered by the God and his Holy Spirit. In Paul’s letter to the Hebrews he says, “through faith” and goes on to list men and women of old, who  through the power of God endured much tribulation received strength, and became an example of the power of God. See  Hebrews 11 for a list of all these heroes of faith. Verse 38 Of whom the world was not worthy. 39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: The first few verses of Hebrews 12 seems to sum it up. 

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Hebrews 12:1-3

Through the submission of their own wills to Him, God was able to use these faithful men and women to fulfill His divine purpose. May He inspire us to do the same.

7/8/2022