Hebrews 11 is the famous chapter affectionately known as the “Roll Call of Faith.”
Countless messages have been preached about the “Heroes of Faith.” Every believer has heard moving sermons detailing the blessings God poured out upon faithful Abraham and Sara. Moses has often been celebrated in inspirational messages as leader, deliverer and miracle worker.
Moving lessons complete with three life-application talking points are taught about lowly shepherds such as David overcoming hardships and trials to become mighty soldiers and kings. As verse 32 says, “time would fail me to tell” of deliverance from lions, fire and various other miracles.
While all of the above is wonderful let us not forget that God called some faithful heroes to demonstrate faith via their own death!
Hebrews 11:37 KJV – They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
Below is the story of an unsung hero, one Zechariah the son of Jehoiada, who was stoned to death because he preached the truth about his nation’s sins against God.
2 Chronicles 24:
18 And they left the house of the LORD GOD of their fathers, and served groves and idols: and wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this their trespass.
19 Yet he sent prophets to them, to bring them again unto the LORD; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear.
20 And the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, which stood above the people, and said unto them, Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the LORD, that ye cannot prosper? because ye have forsaken the LORD, he hath also forsaken you.
21 And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the LORD.
Our nation has for a long time sinned against God. It’s time for modern heroes of Faith to stand up, love our neighbors and boldly proclaim the truth, come what may.
John 15:13 – Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.