Hebrews 11:23-40

June 8, 2024

—I don’t believe there’s a better summary of the men and women of this chapter than the one I stumbled across in v. 38 where the writer of Hebrews, almost with a sigh, says of them, “Of whom this world was not worthy.” In the first half of chapter 11 the writer of Hebrews summarizes the faith of Abel, Enoch, Noah and more, but I’ll be examining the names listed in the second half of the chapter. 

—The parade of names given in Hebrews 11 prompts me to remember the names of so many others that you likely never knew “of whom this world was not worthy,” such as Russ, Debbie, David, Karon, Bill and Marion. Faceless to most, but especially dear to me. No doubt you have your own list of names that could be added to this Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11. We grow in faith by watching those who have walked this earth before us with such grace and victory despite their manifold hardships and challenges. Thank God for them. In this last half of Hebrews 11 we’ll meet even more of them. Some will be named specifically, like Moses, but many will pass quietly before us either unnamed or unknown. 

—Let me share seven faith lessons from the lives of these great men and women of faith of whom this world was not worthy.

—Faith Lesson #1 (v. 23)

—When your nation’s laws and God’s commands conflict, don’t be afraid to disobey the authority of man. Amram and Jochabed, full knowing that pharaoh had ordered the death of all newborn, Hebrew boys, refused to comply and hid baby Moses. Don’t think this couldn’t happen today? It already has in China, for example, where those who had more than one child were for years fined, dismissed from their government jobs or even forced into abortions. What would you have done if God blessed you with a child that you were not permitted to birth or raise?

—Faith Lesson #2 (vs. 24-26)

—Your identity as a child of God is far more rewarding than any privileges this life can offer. Moses traded sinful pleasures to suffer with God’s people, and he traded extraordinary wealth to be mocked alongside them. Why? Because he knew there was great reward from God in doing so (v. 26). In Matthew 5:11 Jesus himself promised blessing for those who are reviled and persecuted for standing with him. Are you enjoying certain privileges that are weakening your faith? Let them go and know God’s reward.

—Faith Lesson #3 (v. 27)

—Don’t fear the heavy hand of your nation if it targets your faith, but look to your unseen God for the endurance you need for any decisions that God has called you to make. Moses knew that to side with slaves and to demand their release would unleash pharaoh’s anger, but he kept his eyes on the Lord. This episode in Moses’ life likewise encourages us to walk by faith and not by sight. God sees us even if we struggle to see him.

—We’ll look at the four remaining Faith Lessons next time.

—Daniel McCabe