03 Mar Hidden Figure of Faith

Chapter 11 of the Biblical Book of Hebrews contains what is commonly known as “The Faith Hall of Fame.” Some Bibles label this chapter “Faith in Action,” and that seems appropriate. The writer first defines faith and then gives shining Old Testament examples of faith in action. First, the definition:

 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. 3 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 (NIV)

The author then goes on to list some of the “ancients” who “were commended” for their faith. And what an impressive list it is:

• Abel
• Enoch
• Noah
• Abraham
• Sarah
• Isaac
• Jacob
• Joseph
• Moses
• Rahab
• David
• Samuel

Judges:

• Gideon
• Barak
• Samson
• Jephthah

Yes, each name on the list represents an amazing story of faith. However, I feel a critically important name is missing: “Uriah the Hittite.” If your response to that reveal was “Who the What?” allow me to introduce you. Uriah was the husband of Bathsheba. Perhaps you have heard of her. In 2 Samuel 11, we learn that King David decided to kick around the palace rather than go to war. He leaves that to Joab.

One evening he was walking around on the roof of the palace and spied the beautiful Bathsheba bathing. He has her brought to him and sleeps with her. She becomes pregnant. An ugly story is about to get a lot uglier.

Bathsheba’s husband Uriah is one of David’s mighty warriors. David has Uriah called back from the battle and tries desperately to trick him into sleeping with Bathsheba, to cover up his own sin. When this fails, he orchestrates Uriah’s death in battle. David’s coverup plan failed because of Uriah’s faithfulness to his duty. He couldn’t think of spending time with his wife when “The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in tents, and my commander Joab and my lord’s men are captured in the open country. How could I go to my house to eat and drink and make love to my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing!”  (2 Samuel 11:11)

So you might ask, was Uriah a champ or a chump? Author James Stuart Bell in his daily devotional “Men of the Bible” says champ, definitely:

“Uriah did his duty and demonstrated the godly traits of faithfulness and loyalty. His life honored King David and the men he fought alongside. His faithfulness and loyalty cost him his life on earth, but he continues to encourage us from his honored place in heaven to make faithfulness and loyalty high priorities.”

Bell goes on to say that Uriah’s story contains an important lesson for us:

“God never promises that faithfulness and loyalty will be rewarded or even recognized in this life. Uriah encourages us to think beyond human history. We can cast our lot with the God who never fails to reward those who honor Him. The people in your life need you to remain faithful and loyal to them, to God, and to His Word.”

The You Version Bible App verse of the day recently was Roman’s 8:31: What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? (NLT). Paul’s entire message in Romans 8 is that those who are in Christ need not live fearfully. The You Version devotional stresses this point:

“Someone might hurt our feelings or even our bodies, but they cannot touch our souls. They cannot come against the living God and succeed. They cannot turn against God’s chosen people without answering for their decisions. This means that whatever wrong has been done to us can be left in God’s reliable hands.”

In fact, we see David’s confession to all of this in Psalm 51. When we are treated unjustly, it can sometimes be difficult to accept that we may have to wait for the next life to see justice. But when we are living in Christ and He in us, we can rest assured that our lives can always be free of fear, no matter what.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a friend, a spouse, an employer, or a total stranger who has done you wrong, no matter how seriously, you can trust that it is in God’s hands. I pray that knowledge gives you strength, joy and peace today, no matter what you’re going through.

Pastor Jerry Bader