Good read

When is bravery stupidity and when does faith "go to far"?! Lately, my Bible pages have been drifting me between two passages that have both challenged and rebuked me! In Hebrews 11:32ff (below) is a hard core challenge for all who would consider themselves faithful. As I think about the "sacrifices" I have made in my life I'm literally shamed when I compare them with the "great cloud of witnesses" found in the chapter of faith!

"And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. 37 They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated- 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect." Hebrews 11:32-40

It's no wonder Jesus said, "I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:8