| Sermon Thought by PKD Lee|
We are exemplars of faith.
Hebrews 11:32-35 - And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked 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, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again.
When we read Hebrews 11 and the roll call of honour of the faithful, if you have a critical eye like me, you do not see faith but rather a list of sinners who were accepted by God in spite of their spiritual weaknesses. Abraham lied twice about his wife Sarah and endangered her chastity. Jacob tried to cheat Laban with his antics on breeding. Even worse, he seemed to overlook Rachel's idolatry. Moses killed and hid the body of an Egyptian. And we could go on speaking of Samson, Jephthah and Gideon. So, what makes these people men of faith?
Their faith and trust in Yahweh to the exclusion of all other gods.
The grace of God that accepts people where they are rather than where they should be.
They did things according to their faith, obeying God’s clear commands but drifting where things were not clear.
They repented when confronted by God on their failure. Not just feeling regret but turning away from such acts in their life.
God accomplished great things through them because of their faith.
What do we learn from this?
God is never far from us, and will help us when we need help.
Walk with care as the best of people erred in their lives and we also could. We are not to be arrogant or judgemental when others fail.
Avoid playing with fire by going to places where temptations for you exist.
God will make you an exemplar of faith and you will create history in your life.