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Bible Study -
Devotional
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Contributed by Phil Spadaro
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Wednesday, 21 June 2006 |
 Faith and Righteousness
Hebrews 11:32
Well, how much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount
the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David,
Samuel, and all the prophets.
2 Peter 2:7
...and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men...
Gideon, Barak, Samson, David, Lot – All lifted up for faith or
righteousness. If you know something of these men, it may seem
surprising to see them in such a list. Looking at the passages
concerning each of these five men, one can hopefully ascertain what is
most important to God.
Gideon (Judges 6:11-8:35)
Gideon requested signs from God as proof of his direction (Judges 6:33-40). He was not a confident “radical” prophet or leader in the beginning (Judges 6:13). Gideon gave excuses, questioned, doubted and was afraid (Judges 6:27) at times. He required a great deal of “hand-holding” by God.
Despite Gideon's doubts and trepidation, he obeyed. Time after time Gideon did God's will. His faith was defined by what he did despite his fear and doubt.
Barak (Judges 4-5)
Barak is most (in)famously known because he would not go into battle without the prophetess Deborah.
Judges 4:8 Barak said to her, "If you [Deborah] will go with me, I will go. But if you will not go with me, I will not go." Hebrews lists him as a man of faith. Barak displayed conditional obedience and received a consequence because of it in verse 9, "I will go with you," she said, "but you will receive no honor on the road you are about to take, because the LORD will sell Sisera into a woman's hand." However, once Barak's condition was met he went ahead with the assault on Sisera and Jabin's forces. In the song (Judges 5) which follows, Barak is lifted up as a leader.
Samson (Judges 13-16)
Samson was immoral, unfaithful to his Nazirite vow, rash, broke dietary laws, selfish, vengeful and generally “unspiritual”. If he were to attempt to place membership in a congregation today, he would certainly meet resistance. Why did the author of Hebrews claim Samson was faithful? Judges 16:28 says, “He called out to the LORD: "Lord GOD , please remember me. Strengthen me, God, just once more. With one act of vengeance, let me pay back the Philistines for my two eyes."” In the end Samson called on God. Samson knew he had been unrighteous and yet was faithful, still believing God could (and would) forgive. His request was selfish (let me pay back the Philistines for my two eyes) but real. How many times have I “cleaned up” my requests and prayers to God, rather than being myself and honestly stating what is on my heart? Samson was faithful because he believed God was bigger than his lack of character or righteousness.
David (1 & 2 Samuel)
David was committed adultery( 2 Samuel 11), murder (2 Samuel 12) and was arrogant. He became angry with God (1 Chronicles 13:11). He disobeyed God's law (2 Samuel 23:1). Invariably David would repent. His faithfulness was found in his resilience.
Lot (Genesis 19)
Lot had chosen to live in a sinful place (Ezekial 16:49). He offered his daughters to the men of the city (Genesis 19:8) was possibly an alcoholic (Genesis 19:33) and incestuous (Genesis 19:33). Certainly not a prime candidate for a church “poster child”. God was able to find faith in him. When it was time, Lot fled from the evil which surrounded him. He was not perfect, but was willing.
These are some men from the Bible who, though imperfect, were faithful. The Bible does not advocate a disregard for righteousness or obedience. Faith seems to trump our shortcomings and iniquities. Perhaps we can take a look at ourselves and the measuring stick we use and see if we are using God's standard of faith or our own.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 21 June 2006 )
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