Heroes
Bob DeWeerd
Hebrews 11 begins with the words, “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” (NIV). Following that, the author lists many of the heroes of faith. Not only are Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and David listed, but also Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Samson, Samuel, and a few others. These are people who were heroic in their faith. While not always perfect (many on the list had their “issues”), they were still commended for their faithful following of God.
The first verses of chapter 11 list the highlights of the heroes of faith and help the reader remember how they were faithful. Verses 33-35 highlight people whose “weakness was turned to strength,” among other things. The blessings of faith are clear; however, the second half of verse 35 through verse 38 paints a different picture: “There were others who were tortured…some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death…persecuted and mistreated.” As I read these words, I think about who “some” are. They are the nameless heroes whose faith didn’t get accolades but who did honor God in ways that impacted many.
I’d like to highlight two heroes of faith among many whom I have had the privilege of knowing. Both are from Cuba, and both have faced their challenges.
First, some background: Cuba has been a communist regime since the Revolution in the late 1950s that was led by Fidel Castro. In short, communism is hostile to faith, and while Christians were not always actively persecuted, they faced persecution in their own way. Those who profess faith in Christ are impacted by systemic discrimination and more significant mistreatement. Economically, the current situation in Cuba is desperate. Food is hard to come by (I’ve spoken with many who go to bed hungry more often than they should), medicine is non-existent, and life is difficult for many. Often, those Cubans who can get out of the country get out. I don’t want to devote a ton of space to their challenges; rather, I’d like to share a little of their stories.
Jose has been a pastor/evangelist for decades in the Cuban Iglesia Christiana Reformada. He is gracious and kind and preaches God’s word boldly. I have heard him preach many times in worship services and seen God work through his words in many ways. He is a strong advocate for Christ. He is very generous and encouraging to all he meets. His life examplifies a true servant’s heart, and I am blessed every time I get to spend time with him. While his earthly estate is not huge, I am convinced that his heavenly mansion is measured in acres. God’s spirit is truly upon him, and his impact on the community is evident.
Another hero is at the beginning of his ministry as a pastor. His name is Josue. He is in his early twenties. He actually got out of Cuba with his parents and siblings and was living in Mexico. Josue, however, felt God’s call to return to Cuba and become a pastor. He knew the difficulties that this would bring. He left Mexico and returned to Cuba because he is responsive to God’s call. Life is not easy. He works hard, does his best, and knows that he will face problems simply because he professes Christ. He does so willingly because, as he says, “I have been called by God.”
Both Jose and Josue have confidence in what they hope for, and God has given them assurances about what they do not see. Additionally, two characteristics that Jose and Josue have in common stand out to me and make me think they should be commended as heroes: one, both have frequently talked about how they are doing their best to be faithful to God’s call. They are simply obeying God’s call regardless of the potential difficulties. It is what they must do. Two, both are tremendously humble. When I’ve tried to praise them for their work, they simply talk about how God works through them, how they are vessels for God’s will, and how the glory for whatever they do belongs to God. Their humble faithfulness and devotion to God make each effective in his own way because they allow God to work through each of them in unique ways. We all have people in our lives who are heroes, from parents to pastors to many others. God puts them there to help point us to Him. I thank God for all of them. May we be inspired by the humble faithfulness of our heroes of faith.