Replenish and Subdue (2)

In Paul’s letter to the saints in Hebrews, he spoke of the heroes of faith, who made a significant impact on the church. He started the chapter by clarifying what faith is and identifying that it is through our faith that we believe that God created the universe. So what is visible to us was made from what was invisible as God spoke the world into existence (Hebrews 11:3).

Paul outlined the heroes of faith from Abel who gave a well pleasing sacrifice unto God, to David who subdued kingdoms. Although Abel died due to his brother’s jealousy, we still make reference to his example today. Paul recounted Enoch who walked with God and did not see death; Noah who obeyed God and built the ark, which saved his family and Abraham who came out from among his people to walk with God, not knowing where he was going. Abraham lived in the land of promise and he and Sarah in their old age, gave birth to a son. They believed God and attained a promise of having descendants, as innumerable as the stars of the sky or the sand and of the sea.

Paul made final reference to other prophets such as Moses, David, Samson, Barak and Samuel. These men subdued kingdoms and “quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight” (Hebrews 11:34).

These prophets and heroes of faith lived with such a boldness, that sets an example for us. We learn from them about the power and authority that we have in God to take over territories and to win battles for God. Knowing that the one who lives in us is far greater than the power that lives in the world. We work to establish the kingdom of God and to establish our dominion mandate.

A.P.-Y.