Week Twenty Nine: Day Three

    July 16, 2025 | Be God's Family

    Old Testament Heroes of the Faith

    Scripture: Hebrews 11:32-34(NIV)

    32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies.

    Devotional

    By: Mark Ellcessor

    In the first thirty-one verses of Hebrews 11, the writer covered in some detail acts of faith by some of the people in the first six books of the Bible. Then in these three short verses the writer summarizes the entire rest of the Old Testament. Just the mention of their names and actions would have captured the minds of the readers and listeners.

    They were judges, kings and prophets. They failed in the flesh but flourished in the faith. They trusted God when there was nowhere else to turn. They were examples of the opening verse of this chapter: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

    Take a moment and think about the highs and lows of the six people mentioned by name in these verses. What do you learn from their lives?

    Gideon (Judges 6-8)

    Barak (Judges 4-5)

    Samson (Judges 13-16)

    Jephthah (Judges 10-12)

    David (1 & 2 Samuel)

    Samuel (1 & 2 Samuel)

    Poem

    In Your Right Hand
    [Sung To The Tune: St. Columbia]
    Psalm 63

    On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.
    Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.
    Psalm 63:6-8

    Chorus:
    In Your right hand, my name inscribed
    My destiny secure
    For none can snatch me from Your grip
    My future You’ve procured

    Though battle fierce, though justice scorned
    Though lions round me stalk
    Your promises allow me strength
    Confronted, I’ll ne’er balk

    Chorus

    Though giants taunt and beat their chests
    Though rulers, kingdoms rage
    ‘Tis in Your name I stand erect
    And hold ground unafraid

    Chorus

    And when I lay me down to rest
    ‘Tis of You I will ponder
    Remembering my place of peace
    Each vic’try, ever fonder

    Chorus

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