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Verse:Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. —Hebrews 12:2, NIV
Many unlikely heroes are mentioned in the Bible.
Several of them are listed as heroes of faith in Hebrews, the eleventh chapter. Believe it or not, Rahab, a prostitute, is called a hero of faith.
And who could ever imagine God would call Gideon a hero of faith? He was hiding and threshing grain, unsure of God’s leading or power, and asked for several signs. God had to let him overhear an enemy’s dream before he had the confidence to move forward in obedience (see Judges 6; 7). Barak is on the list. He lacked the courage to go to war, even after the prophetess Deborah told him God was commanding him to form an army against their enemy and would bring them victory (see Judges 4). What did Barak do? He said he would not go unless Deborah went with him. Can you imagine, at that time in history, a man going to battle only if a woman went with him? Yet, in Hebrews, he is named as an example of faith.
Hebrews also mentions Samson, a profane, immoral man who finally did turn to the Lord at the end of his life. And then there is Jephthah, who made a very rash and unwise vow that caused him much pain regarding his daughter (see Judges 11).
David is also listed, and while we know he was a man after God’s own heart, we also know he was an adulterer and murderer who deeply repented.
While we do not know all the backstories and exactly why each of these people is in God’s “Hall of Faith,” they remind us that God is not looking for flawlessness but faithfulness and trust in Him, which leads to obedience. We cannot make ourselves perfect. He is the only one who can perfect our characters. How does He do this? Hebrews reminds us to keep “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2, NIV).
So, today, do not be discouraged if you feel you are not good enough. Remember these flawed human beings who are called heroes of the faith.
If God can make them into faithful heroes, He can do the same thing for His children today. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus rather than our mistakes.
He pardons sin and forgives transgression. He will “tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea” (Micah 7:19, NIV).
If He does not remember our sins anymore, why should we? Instead rejoice! We have a loving, forgiving Savior.
Myrna L. Hanna