Foundations: Heros of the Faith - Day 2

Enoch (born 3309 BC, taken to Heaven 2994 BC)

By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death… Hebrews 11:5a (NIV)

READ: Genesis 5:21-24  

Very little is known about Enoch in the Bible.  What we do know is what Hebrews tells us, that he was a man who walked with God.  There are Jewish traditions that mention his remarkable revelations.  These are supported by Jude who recognizes him as a prophet (Jude 1:14).  The writer of Hebrews lists him with the great men and women of faith showing that only a man of faith could enjoy such close communion with God.  When we live in fellowship with God we please God and fulfill the purpose for which we were created.  “ (Hebrews 11:6).  Part of faith is believing that God is there and that He will reveal Himself to those who seek Him.  These go hand in hand.  Anyone who truly believes God exists will seek Him and will be greatly rewarded, maybe not in this life but definitely in the next! 

Noah (2875-1925 BC)

   Hebrews 11:7a (NIV)

READ: Genesis 6:9-9:17

Noah was warned of something that had never happened before.  God told Noah of His purpose to destroy the wicked world by water.  God shares His secrets with those who fear Him (Ps. 25:14) and enables believers to understand and apply declarations of warnings.  Noah’s faith was seen in not merely agreeing that the flood would come but in the action of obeying what God told him to do in regards to the coming flood.  He obeyed in two ways.  First, by actually building the ark showing great faith and fear of the Lord!  Faith that is real will always do something (see the book of James).  Second, Noah did not just build the ark he also preached to warn the people (2 Peter 2:5).  He did not stay silent about the judgment that was to come.  Noah’s obedience had a direct effect on his family as the ark kept his family alive.  This shows that what we do in obedience to God benefits others.  

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.  Where do you feel weak in your faith?

2.  Ask God how He wants to grow your faith this summer. What does He want to do in your heart?

3.  Thank God for what He has shown you, and pray that it would become a reality in your life.