Here's To The Crazy Ones: An Overview of the Heroes of Faith.

In the realm of faith, we often grapple with profound questions that challenge our understanding. One such riddle resonates deeply: What does faith know that mere belief can never tell us? The answer lies in the essence of faith—it is the substance that no amount of knowledge could ever fully articulate. This distinction between faith and belief is crucial; it’s a matter of just 6 to 8 inches, the distance from head to heart.

The author of Hebrews articulates the core of a Christ follower’s journey: the ability to know without evidence, driven by the profound quality of faith. This passage invites us to deepen our understanding of faith in the Creator of the universe. When the world observes our simple faith in Christ, they often wonder, “Who are these crazy ones?” Whether they are innovators or those who dare to stand apart, taking risks that most would shy away from, the faithful are everywhere. While some may act for selfish gain, others are motivated by Christ.

Consider Steve Jobs, the visionary behind the Macintosh and Apple products. In the 1980s, he faced skepticism about his ambitious goal to revolutionize personal computing. Yet, he proved the doubters wrong, even making a triumphant return to Apple years later to create the iPhone, a device that has become ubiquitous in modern life. Regardless of one’s views on his personal beliefs, Jobs undeniably transformed the world’s technological landscape. He famously said, “Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers... the ones who see things differently.” In spiritual terms, this notion of being “crazy” may seem odd, yet Christians are often perceived as such when they stand firm in their faith.

Hebrews 11 serves as a testament to faith in God that transcends mere belief. It chronicles the heroes whose lives were forever changed because they believed what God said and acted on His instructions. For instance, Hannah’s dedication of her son Samuel to the temple reflects a profound act of faith. The heroes of faith, as outlined in this chapter, were not extraordinary individuals; rather, they were simple people who displayed unwavering obedience to God.

To explore this theme further, John Piper offers a powerful framework. He states, “Now faith is: (1) the assurance of things hoped for, (2) the conviction of things not seen.” This brings us to the first aspect—the assurance of faith. Faith is not a static belief but a dynamic trust that compels us to act. It’s likened to being part of a family where love and responsibility thrive. Just as we honor our family lineage, we must also honor our faith heritage.

The second aspect, the conviction of purpose and calling, emphasizes that purposeful living is the cornerstone of the Christian experience. Our lives are redeemed for a purpose, and belief must evolve into faith—an active expression of trust in God. The Bible reminds us that even demons believe in God, but it is faith that transforms belief into action.

Throughout Hebrews 11, we encounter examples of individuals who acted on their faith, often in the face of daunting challenges. The phrase “By faith…” recurs throughout, highlighting that faith mobilizes and inspires, while fear can keep us in bondage. Faith is proactive and freeing; it is eternal, while fear is temporary.

In conclusion, here’s to the crazy ones—those who cling to faith regardless of their circumstances. When life feels overwhelming, faith is all you need. Even when reason falters, faith can sustain you. We often invite people to accept Jesus into their hearts because it is in the heart that faith begins, and understanding follows. The beautiful truth is that you don’t need to have everything figured out to come to faith; Jesus meets us where we are, transforming our lives through faith.

As Hebrews 11:39 reminds us, “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us.” The journey of faith is ongoing, and together, we can walk in the legacy of the faithful, becoming change agents for the Kingdom of God.