Examples of the Faithful

“And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:  Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,  Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens” Hebrews 11:32-35

After highlighting the stories of several well-known Bible characters, the author of Hebrews realized that he did not have the time to give us all the details of others, but we can read their stories for ourselves. Take time this week to read them:

• Gideon – His story is recorded in Judges 6-8 and highlights his acceptance of God’s call to deliver His people. It took great faith to lead his small army of three hundred men, bearing only trumpets and pitchers with lamps, against the great army of the Midianites.
• Barak – In Judges 4, he listened to the voice of Deborah and together they went forth to defeat the army of Sisera.
• Jephtha – Look at Judges 11. He raised an army to defeat the Ammonites and made a rash mistaken vow to God. But he was faithful to fulfill that vow even though it cost him. His daughter submitted to it, in Judges 11:36  “And she said unto him, My father, if thou hast opened thy mouth unto the LORD, do to me according to that which hath proceeded out of thy mouth; forasmuch as the LORD hath taken vengeance for thee of thine enemies, even of the children of Ammon.”
• Samson – we find his story in Judges 13-16, highlighting his victories over the Philistines, but also his weaknesses and failures. He sought God for help in the end.
• Samuel – this is a familiar story, how his mother dedicated him to the Lord and how he faithfully served God and His people for many years.
• David – chosen by God when he was just a youth, faithful to all that God asked him to do and ruled the nation well.

These are all notable examples of faithful men who accomplished important things because they trusted in the Lord. They were just ordinary people going about their daily lives when God called them. Their stories are recorded so that we might be encouraged to stand true to the Lord, no matter what experiences we may face in life.

Jesus, as we read these accounts in the Bible, our faith is strengthened, knowing that you are greater than anything that can come against us, and nothing is impossible with you.

Devotion by Anne Johnston