What do all of these characters have in common?

Written by GodLife on 23/06/2020

Series: Weekly Devotional

Tags: Bible, Character, Test, Quiz, God

And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Hebrews 11:39-40

Whenever I read the Bible, I try to put myself in the place of the people I’m reading about. It can be a helpful exercise. I can ask myself things like: Would I have reacted the same way? Do I see the same patterns of sin and selfishness in my life that I see in this person’s life? Or do I see Christ’s character in myself the way I see it in these people I am reading about?

This can help remind us of something important. We’re not just spectator’s in God’s story. We’re an integral part of it, and we should desire to follow Him the way some of the most faithful people in the Bible followed Him. 

Now, don’t put so much pressure on yourself to act perfectly. The Bible is filled with people acting out of selfishness and distrust in God, even people we regard as leaders of the faith. And yet God still was faithful to His people, especially when they didn’t deserve it. And that continues today.

Speaking of some of those leaders of the faith, let’s have some fun for a minute and take a short quiz on your Bible character knowledge. We’ll give you four questions! The answers can be found at the bottom of the devotional.

Question 1: Who offered up their own son as a sacrifice in Genesis?

A) Isaac
B) Adam
C) Abraham
D) Cain

Question 2: Who was the leader of the Israelites as they exited Egypt?

A) Moses
B) Abraham
C) Jonah
D) Joseph

Question 3: Who helped the Israelites capture Jericho?

A) David
B) Rahab
C) Daniel
D) Eve

Question 4: Who had two sons, Jacob and Esau?

A) Abraham
B) Solomon
C) Adam
D) Isaac

What do these people have in common?

Have you noticed yet that all these characters have something in common? They’re all in the Hall of Faith passage in Hebrews 11! Have you heard of this passage before? If not, you can read it with our free, online Bible.

By reading about these people and their stories, we can be strengthened in our faith to act as they did when placed in difficult situations. You can ask yourself how you would respond in the situations in which they were placed where they responded in faith. If you think you’d respond in an unfaithful or ungodly way, that can lead you to pray about the situation and ask God to help you give more of your heart and life over to Him.

So try that this week! Read a story, place yourself in the story, and ask yourself how you’d respond in the situation. Would you respond the way the character did, or would you respond differently? Whatever you find out, pray to God and share your thoughts with Him honestly.

Answer Key
Q1: C
Q2: A
Q3: B
Q4: D

Pray this week:

Lord, I want to follow you with my whole heart. Show me how I am not fully committing myself to you, and give me the strength and desire to put You first in my life.

What story or character in the Bible challenges you to follow God more closely, based on their example?