I searched through the big book page by page and could not find my name mentioned once. Before every Presidential inaugurate with all the galas, I checked the mail for the whole month before the ceremony. I knew for sure something would arrive when Queen Elizabeth II celebrated the 50th anniversary of her coronation. Well! I suppose it is because my name’s not in that book titled Who’s Who. I never received even one invitation to an inauguration gala or to the palace to meet the Queen. Come to think of it, I’ve never been invited to my High School reunion. Does that make me a ‘nobody’?
If it does, I’m in good company. The Lord created His own Who’s Who list. You can find it in Hebrews chapter eleven. The world’s Who’s Who book limits qualifying individuals to outstanding or important people in a particular community, industry, or profession. The qualification for God’s list requires faith and faithfulness. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval (Heb 11:1, 2). Prosperity teachers attempt to twist this verse into a proof text for obtaining anything you desire in order to live a life of comfort and pleasure. Problem—they failed to read the context.
The previous chapter states that the faithful endured great conflict of sufferings, were made public spectacles, placed in prison, and had their property seized because of their faith in Jesus. The latter part of chapter 11, adds that the people of faith were thrown to the lions, tortured, experienced mockings, and scourgings, went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, destitute, afflicted, ill-treated, and wandered in deserts, mountains, caves and holes in the ground. Not exactly, living a life of luxury in a multi-million dollar mansion, with a Rolls Royce, Rolex watches, or custom tailored clothes. However, note that v39 declares all those on God’s list gained approval through their faith.
World standards can deceive even Christians into believing the most successful Christians are well educated ministers with multiple talents overseeing mega-churches or international organizations—some listed in the world’s Who’s Who books. However, note the people God listed in His Who’s Who. Abel, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob worked as shepherds. Noah became a ship builder. Sarah and various women lived as wives and mothers. Moses grew up in the royal family, but killed a man and became a fugitive. Joseph was a slave, a prisoner, and an Egyptian government official. Rahab had earned her living as a prostitute.
Our culture places such an emphasis on success when anyone falls short, he or she can feel like a failure. However, Christians must examine others and themselves by God’s standard of faith. The world may view someone as a failure, but God sees them as people of faith. Faith means a confident trust based on God’s promise as written in the Word. In the context of Hebrews 11, faith is not a method for obtaining carnal desires, rather it is the act of trusting God regardless of what happens or does not happen in our life.
Abraham and Sarah trusted God despite the fact they remained childless. Joseph continued trusting God after his brothers sold him into slavery and after Potiphar’s wife accused him of rape. David knew that Samuel anointed him King of Israel. Saul’s jealousy forced him to flee and hide in caves but David trusted God for the fulfillment in His appointed time. Faith is not just a state of mind. It must move beyond merely accepting a promise or command written in scripture as truth, to implementing that truth into action. Moses acted by faith, refused [action] to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, and chose [action] to suffer with the people of God rather than to enjoy the short-lived pleasure of sin. By faith, he left [action] Egypt behind. These acts of faith disqualified him for the Who’s Who of Egypt. Instead, God’s Who’s Who list points out four of his actions of faith.
Faith is not an option, without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6). At the end of the age, God will burn up the earth and its contents including all the Who’s Who books ever published. However, His Who’s Who list will remain untouched and He promised eternal rewards to the faithful. If you never find your name in the books of the world or receive an invitation to a grand social gala, no need to concern yourself. Thirteen times the writer of Hebrews declares the faithful possess something ‘better’. It is safe to assume the Holy Spirit continues adding people of faith to His list—common people, unknown to most, and quietly serving God in their assigned task; some suffering and being tortured in prisons because they refuse to deny Jesus as their Savior.
Sustaining Word for the Week: Where do you want your name listed? If it’s God’s Who Who’s list, have faith AND put your faith into action. He has something better for you!