S) "32 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,"
Hebrews 11:32 (NASB)
O) The writer was going into detail, examining the faith of heroes from the Old Testament. Starting with Abel, he went through the faith and works of great leaders through the time of Joshua and Rahab. He is laying a foundation to say that salvation from God has always been based on faith in Him. Even before the law was given, salvation always came from relationship with the LORD, and it is the relationship that allowed these men and women to suffer the hardships they did, while still fixing their eyes on the hope of their salvation. Then, having made his point with specific names and events, he stops up and gives a general recap of the works, and sufferings, for the faith that various leaders had. He even seems to, without naming them, refer to contemporary Christian martyrs of the faith.
A) There are two main points to take away from this, and the reason I highlighted it as instruction. The first is that I like to teach. I obviously teach my own children about the Lord, but I also enjoy ministering to people of all ages. I like the practice of mutual ministry, gathering with other men and women so we can discuss Scripture, share testimonies, and talk about theology (however unsophisticated it may be). I have also had the opportunity to teach in a more formal setting, both as a youth pastor, and also in an informal school of ministry. In those moments, those teaching moments, it is very easy for me to get carried away. However, this verse reminds me to stay focused on the point (which in most cases is going to be the gospel of Jesus Christ). I don't want to get sidetracked with tangential arguments or speculations. Secondly, this verse reminds me to respect the intelligence of my audience. I don't want to assume they have learned everything already, otherwise how could I ever teach someone. Still, I never want to belittle someone, or be arrogant and therefore condescending. I can make a point without having to thoroughly discuss something else, which may very well be an elementary topic to them (as the above was for most Hebrews of the time). Of course, I don't want to miss the forest for the trees. This verse still has the original, and bigger point, that the acts of faith and suffering are too many to name. In my own life, I hope that I honor my savior Jesus Christ, with my own faith and any suffering I ever endure. I can only hope to be added to so great a list, even if I'm never named among the many who were.
P) Father, thank You for my open eyes and ears. May I never stop being willing, to learn and be taught. I pray that You continue to lead me in all truth, and that You use whomever You will, to teach me what I should know. I have such a heart, that others would know You at least as well as I do. I never want people to be as unprepared as I once was, to defend the gospel. I never want people to be as ignorant to the truth as I once was. I know that spiritual things are spiritually discerned, but they are also spiritually taught. Help me honor You, as I seek to teach my brothers and sisters well. Be glorified. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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