When In Doubt

In the eleventh chapter of Hebrews, the writer walks us through what has become known as the Hall of Faith. Some in the Hall are expected, such as Abel, Enoch, Noah, and of course Abraham. Some are a surprise, such as Samson. And then there are the unnamed, who suffered and died for their faith. Based on the descriptions scholars have speculated as to who might be included among those “of whom the world was not worthy” (Heb. 11:38). There are some pretty good guesses, such as Jeremiah, but one I think certainly makes this list is one of my heroes of the faith, John the Baptist.

Pointing to Christ

For those who had ears to hear, John called to repentance, but for those who would not, he promised judgement. To some the seismic message of the gospel was indeed good news, evidenced by the multitude of people who were repenting of their sins and being baptized. But others were merely present, not repenting but observing, neither hearing nor believing.