35.What was true of the faith of many of the saints and prophets?

Gideon obeyed the angel of the Lord, although he did not have much faith in his own abilities. Because of his obedience, a victory was won. Gideon’s faith was that of obedience to the Lord and reliance on the Lord.

Barak, at the word of the prophetess Deborah, obeyed the Word of the Lord, and a victory was won over Jabin’s army. The experience of Samson teaches us that faith and separation from the world are interwoven.

The Lord granted to Jepthah to become head over the Gileadites and to overcome the Ammonites. The sacrifice of his only child, his daughter, in order to honor his foolish vow to the Lord, was a cross that Jepthah bore for the few remaining years of his life. The true man or woman of faith always bears the cross and everything in his or her life is touched by that cross. The personal cross of the believer is a very important aspect of the life of faith. David, the Lord’s chosen and anointed, demonstrated that a person raised to the highest level of authority and honor can devote his days to the pursuit of the Lord’s Presence and will. David is an excellent example of the meaning of the Scripture, "the just shall live by his faith."

Living by faith means that our deeds, words, and thoughts always are submitted to God for His approval, guidance, and enablement. Living by faith is the opposite of living by pride and self-will. Samuel, the child dedicated to the Lord by a previously barren mother, represents dependence on the Spirit of God—a vital part of the life lived by faith.

Samuel was the last prophet that Israel would tolerate as a political leader. The Jews wanted a king they could see, not a prophet giving them directions from an invisible God. In rejecting the leadership of the prophets, Israel was rejecting the leadership of God Himself. In rejecting Samuel, Israel was rejecting that which is brought forth by prayer and dependence on the Lord.

Each of the prophets portrays the life of faith. Jeremiah was at odds against his own nation. Jeremiah’s faith stood against the sin and the fleshly, soulish behavior of the princes of Israel. The king of Babylon slew the princes of Judah but saved Jeremiah alive.

The prophets of Israel were, to a great extent, rejected and persecuted. The man of faith, living a righteous life, may find that he is rejected and hated. Rejection and hatred from other people is one aspect of the life of faith, the true faith that brings us into the rest of God.