THE VICTORIOUS FAITH OF THE HEROES OF GOD
Verse Key 11:29The author speaks of the victorious faith in this part by the examples of men and women of faith. They are heros.
1. The faith of the Israelites, Joshua and Rahab (29-32)
The Israelites cross the Red Sea like a dry land, when the Egyptians pursue them. Crossing the Red Sea as a dry land requires great faith. They are afraid of threading the way in the middle of the aquatic walls. But they accomplish it only by relying on their God who is Creator. The attempt to do the same by the Egyptians proves vain; All they are swallowed up. At the entrance to Canaan, the Israelite army attacked Jericho, the first indomitable rampart of Canaan by faith alone. When they shout, the rampart falls. Rahab has faith in the God of Israel who is the sovereign of the universe and peacefully welcomes spies, bringing her and her family to salvation.
2. The faith of the judges and the rest (33-40)
What more do I say? says the author. There are innumerable examples of faith in the history of Israel. In front of the trials, all overcome them and win the victory over them. The judges defeat the kingdoms, and David closes the mouths of the lions. They are valiant and make the enemy flee. Yet victory is not God's only solution. Some women see the dead resurrected, but some prefer death, to have the better resurrection. They bear all kinds of tribulations and sufferings, braving the death. The author says that the world is not worthy of them and they all have received good testimony through their faith, even though they have not received what they desire on earth.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for teaching me faith through the examples of the faith of the ancestors of faith. Help me to put faith in you and glorify your name by faith. Give me victory by faith.
One Word: The Victory of Faith
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