HALL OF FAITH

  Hebrews 11:1       

“Now Faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses].” (AMP)

             We certainly aren’t running low of a number of high-profile individuals with jaw-breaking credentials to merit a mention. The wall of Christian history is embroidered with these unbelievably invigorating men and women. So in the next few weeks, I’ll be considering the port-folio of great men and women that feature in Hebrews 11’s great Hall of Faith.

ABEL

His is a fascinating story. It is a story that teaches me about God and two men who offered gifts. Abel was a shepherd-it was not an uncommon profession in his time. Abel was victim of the first murder, with God as the only eye witness.  About this story, it is often stated, erroneously albeit, that Abel’s sacrifice was accepted because of its quality-“…first born of his flock and also their fat portions”. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

           Hebrews 11:4 says, “[Prompted, actuated] by faith Abel brought a better sacrifice than Cain…” It had nothing to do with the stuffs they brought; it had everything to do with the condition of their hearts. It was what he believed and not what he brought that made the difference. So Cain was second best because he did not believe God.

In our worship of God-everything that particularly or widely entails our devotion and sacrifice-faith is at the core of it.

       Abel is the first candidate that merits a mention in this Hall of Faith.

ENOCH

So this awe-inspiring candidate did not taste death, and it was because he believed in God.

Only a few times was his name mentioned in the OT. However, his reputation is staggering; he didn’t only express a mere affirmation in the existence of God, he had hardened assurance that God was a reality to be pursued.

He wasn’t just a good man, he was a godly man, and he walked in habitual communion with God (Gen. 5:24). How can a man with all his impediments and propensity to wander walk so closely with God? Faith.

             In Enoch, the divine is pleased with nature. A man walked the earth and pleased God. It is a story akin to that of a father who is infinitely pleased with his impressionable child. This candidate challenges my dour spiritual attitude; he drags my appetite into a level where just OK is not enough.

More candidates coming in subsequent articles.