Ancient Heroes: Living A Life Of Legacy

In this blog, Hebrews 11 will be base camp as we explore how we can imitate the ancient biblical heroes by living a life of legacy.

“Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible.” Corrie Ten Boom

The author of the letter to the Hebrews remains shrouded in mystery. Several theories regarding the author’s identity have been proposed over the years, but all of them contain issues. The strongly Jewish character of the letter to the Hebrews helps to narrow down its date of composition, most likely between AD 64–69. Throughout its pages, Hebrews makes clear that Jesus Christ exceeds all other people, pursuits, objects, or hopes to which human beings offer allegiance. Our faith, therefore, finds its home when solely rooted in Him.

Ancient heroes: living a life of legacy

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible." Hebrews 11:1-3

Have you ever stopped to ask yourself: What is faith? We’re going to contemplate seven truths about faith that can revolutionize our Christian walk. Seven in seven! Hebrews 11 will be base-camp as we explore how we, as everyday people, can become “heroes” of faith. Not proud, showy heroes. But humble, resilient, faith-filled heroes.

Ancient heroes: living by faith

Religious or not, having faith is fundamental to our humanity. We all live by faith. Faith is sitting on a chair without testing it. It’s reading an article without fact-checking. It’s turning a light on without consulting an electrician. We all base our lives off trusted assumptions. As Christians, the question is not whether we have faith, but rather who or what our faith is in. Faith’s power has to do with its object.

So where’s your faith today? Be real for a moment. In yourself? Your career? A strong economy? What would it mean for you to genuinely put God first in everything and transfer full reliance to Him? The payoff is clear. Search “faith” in the Bible, and you’ll be inspired. Christ-centred faith moves mountains. It triggers healing and drives out demons. Faith in Jesus makes the impossible possible. Ultimately, it’s the instrument for our salvation.

Living a life of legacy: growing in faith

Often, though, our own faith feels far from this, appearing weak or ineffective. It doesn’t have to stay that way. Growing in faith is rarely linear, but it doesn’t mean you’re not progressing. Keep going. We never have to navigate this journey alone. Throughout the Bible, there are many who show us what meaningful faith entails. As you learn from their example, you too can experience the fullness of a Christ-empowered life. Let’s start here. We can’t have godly faith without knowing what it is. Hebrews helps us: Faith is confidence in what we hope for. The gospel teaches we have a secure hope in Jesus. We can be sure of His promises and salvation. They will never fail! Even if all else collapses, this hope remains. Faith begins by boldly and intentionally choosing Jesus every day. Faith is assurance about what we do not see. Although we cannot see God, we know He’s real. Although we may feel defeated, we know Jesus has won the victory. Faith is living from these invisible realities. It means trusting God’s word over our circumstances. If life looks difficult today, take heart! God is with you. His silence isn’t the same as His absence.

Trusting Jesus daily

This is our first truth about faith: Although our Christian life starts with a decisive moment of faith—acknowledging Jesus’ lordship and believing in His resurrection—it doesn’t stop there. Faith involves trusting Jesus daily. In everything. It’s being resiliently confident and assured of the truth. Today, step out in faith. Just start somewhere. How can you refocus your scattered faith onto Jesus today?

1. The power of our faith has all to do with who our faith is in. In this quiet space, allow your attention to shift towards King Jesus. He is the author and perfecter of your faith. As your gaze rests on the Lord, let Him speak to you, comfort you and reassure you.
2. Ask God for help with growing in faith. So often, the stresses of this world distract and consume us. Our faith is scattered and we trust in many unreliable things. Call out to God to strengthen your faith in Him.
3. Living for God doesn’t just involve having faith. It also means acting in faith. Where can you step out in faith today? Perhaps it could involve gathering the courage to tell someone about Jesus.

Let's pray

As we close, let’s pray: “Dear Jesus, I put my faith in you again today. You are all I need. As I fix my eyes on you, renew my confidence in the things I hope for and reassure me of the things I do not yet see. Help me view my life from your perspective. I choose today to trust your promises over my circumstances. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”