Countdown 11

I know many may not be particularly interested but just to show I have buckled down as the deadline looms! Hebrews 11 is the most famous chapter in the letter - the rollcall of faith. Studies over four days focus on these sections.

Multi-faceted faith (verses 1-7) Some of these Old Testament figures prompt memories. Noah with the ark and animals first imprinted themselves on me while reading a children's bible. Imagine how these new Jewish Christians must have cherished these stories too. It was vital to show these new Christians that their own rollcall of men and women belong in this God story, now fulfilled in Jesus. As we look at the names: Abel, Enoch and Noah we realize that, obviously, their faith it defined as full personal faith in Jesus as Lord. Yet it is faith that endures, accepts God's word, wins God's approval and recognizes God's power, even though he remains unseen. Faith is multi-faceted and these Old Testament characters showed it too.

Real deal faith (verses 8-22)  We would expect Abraham to have major billing on this list. After all he is called 'the father of all who believe' (Rom 4: 11)  What courage and faith he shows setting out into the unknown - taking God at his word with minimum evidence. The seemingly impossible birth of Isaac to barren Sarah actually revealed a lapse of faith as Abraham tried to sort out the problem himself. What a contrast with his later behaviour toiling up the mountain to sacrifice Isaac. Now he appears to reason that somehow God can work it out. (verse 19) I remember hearing the spiritual challenge: Let go and Let God. This perhaps shows that he has learned to leave sorting out problems with God.

Saying No (verses23-31) It's a surprise that in Moses' action-packed life the fact of his adoption by Pharaoh's daughter is featured. This propulsion from a nobody in despised Jewish slavery to a member of the Egyptian ruling class with its privileges of rank, prestige, wealth and powers gives him a choice. Will he embrace the riches and pleasures of an easy life or dare to identify with his own despised people? By saying No to an easy godless life and yes to sharing in the suffering of his own people, Moses demonstrates high order faith in God's promised future.  This act of faith was particularly pertinent to these first readers who were in danger of giving up their faith because of abuse and suffering. Faith sometimes involves saying no to the easy path.

Crescendo of valour (verses 32-40) Unequal space is given to personalities on the rollcall. Suddenly the pace quickens with a cascade of names. Their faith is described in proactive courageous terms like conquering kingdoms and shutting the mouths of lions. Some of the descriptions of suffering sound tragically contemporary in the persecuted church But what a tribute is paid - 'that the world was not worthy of them (verse 38).