Heroes
How did they become heroes? (Hebrews 11)
• They were normal people with significant issues…
o …but they did not allow these issues to define them…
• They accomplished incredible things
o “…who by faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the raging of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, gained strength after being weak, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.” (Hebrews 11:33-34)
• They were rejected & tortured by their generation
o “Some men were tortured, not accepting release, so that they might gain a better resurrection, and others experienced mockings and scourgings, as well as bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they died by the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins, in goatskins, destitute, afflicted, and mistreated.” (Hebrews 11:35-37)
• They embraced the reality of sojourn
o “They confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth. Now those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been remembering that land they came from, they would have had opportunity to return. But they now aspire to a better land – a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” (Hebrews 11:13-16)
• They never actually received what was promised to them
o “All these were approved through their faith, but they did not receive what was promised…” (Hebrews 11:39)
What about us?
• The list is open for us to enter the story
o “All these were approved through their faith, but they did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, so that they would not be made perfect without us.” (Hebrews 11:39-40)
• We are called to join them in the heroic journey of following Jesus…
