Faith in Action: Three Days on Hebrews 11Muestra

Who am I, Lord?

Often referred to as the “Hall of Faith,” Hebrews 11 catalogs stories of our faith ancestors who demonstrated faith in God. These examples remind us that faith in action can include questions, uncertainty, and challenges. It requires trust. And it embraces serving others.

We also witness through these stories that God remains with people in their suffering and in their liberation.

Let’s look at one such story: that of the Israelites.

The Egyptians felt threatened by the growing number of Israelites, so they enslaved them. When that didn’t stop the Israelites, Pharaoh decided to add another approach: he instructed the midwives to kill Hebrew baby boys. In reverence to God, though, the midwives defied Pharaoh. They understood that each person is an image of God and let the babies live. One of those babies, rescued by Pharaoh’s daughter herself, grew up to free the Israelites.

God heard the cries of the Israelites and called on Moses to lead them out of slavery in Egypt. Moses didn’t consider himself qualified for the job, but God promised to be with him every step of the way.

By faith, Moses did what God asked of him at every turn. By faith, Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and the wilderness. By faith, Moses and the Israelites trusted in God’s promise of a land flowing with milk and honey. Through Moses, God delivered the Israelites from oppression.

Each person embodied God’s just character at pivotal points in the Israelites’ story, often under difficult and dangerous conditions. Did they know the implications of their actions? Did they know they played an important part in God’s great redemption plan?

Application:

Reflect on the story of the Israelites:

·What injustices did they endure?

·Who stepped in to fight alongside them?

·In what ways can you remember God’s faithfulness?

Photo by Ganapathy Kumar on Unsplash