32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. 34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. ” (Heb. 11:32-38)
Let me give you a little background to the Book of Hebrews. The word “Hebrew” refers to those people who are ethnically Jewish. So this Book is written specifically to those Ethnic Jews that had become followers of Jesus Christ.
During the time of this writing, these followers were under great persecution. All of us have our own way of defining what that word persecution means, but chapter 10, verses 33 and 34 describes for us how the author defines it:
“33 Sometimes you were publicly exposed to taunts and afflictions, and at other times you were companions of those who were treated that way. 34 For you sympathized with the prisoners[a] and accepted with joy the confiscation of your possessions . . .” (HCSB)
So the picture here is of a believer who is taking a verbal beating because of their faith, and maybe another believer comes in and they begin taking a verbal beating, and you are there, standing side-by-side with them, because they are not alone – we are in this together! WOW – how many times have we, as the followers of Christ taken a verbal beating because of our faith in Jesus Christ, in the work place, in the media (on a regular basis), in our government, in our homes, and sadly, even in our churches.
So, this Book is written to these Hebrews followers of Christ who were publicly humiliated and insulted, or who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with others who were, and you willing and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your possessions.
And it appears to me from reading this Book, that this had been going on for some-time, and the people were getting tired and worn down, and they had an option – and that was to return to Judaism. If they would just return to the old system of sacrificing animals and living by the Law, many of these problems they were facing would go away. So over and over again, the writer of the Book of Hebrews is contrasting the Old system, and the New System under Jesus Christ.
So basically what the writer is saying in a nutshell is this, “Why would you ever go back to the old system of sacrificing year after year, when you can have the final, once and for all sacrifice?” SO the goal of the Book of Hebrews is to help the believers achieve perseverance.
So this brings us to Chapter 11, the Hall of Fame of Faith, or Heroes of the Faith, and how these Heroes of the Faith always had to walk the Journey of Trust – the Journey of Faith!
We are reminded of people like Abraham, and Sarah, and Jacob and Joseph – who lived tenacious lives of Trust in God. So the writer is saying, “I know things are tough, I know you’re being persecuted, but trust in the LORD and stand your ground!”
Thomas Jefferson said, “The cement of this union is the heart-blood of every American.”
On March 23rd, 1775, Patrick Henry, in his speech to the colonial congress said, “Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”
Louis D. Brandeis said, “Those who won our independence believed liberty to be the secret of happiness and courage to be the secret of liberty.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “For what avail the plough or sail, or land or life, if freedom fail?”
Adlai Stevenson said, “[P]atriotism… is not short, frenzied outbursts of emotion, but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime.”
Abraham Lincoln said in the Gettysburg address, “Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”
John F. Kennedy said, “We dare not forget that we are the heirs of that first revolution.”
With Bullhorn in hand, and speaking to the world after the attacks on the Twin Towers on 9/11, George W. Bush said, “I can hear you!” he declared. “The rest of the world hears you! And the people – and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon.”
Elmer Davis said, “This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.”
The words of a power song by Lee Greenwood say, “And I’m proud to be an American, where at least I know I’m free. And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.”
Hebrews chapter 11, the author is telling us that before his mind fails him, he wants to remind us of great men of faith and courage, “Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions. 34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection.” In his final thoughts of these valiant warriors, the author says, “Of whom the world is not worthy.”
As Memorial Day approaches, and as I thought about that statement, I couldn’t help but to thank God, first of all, that I was born in a country of free men, made free by every generation of American that has fought for my freedom. More importantly, I thank God for the death of Jesus Christ on Calvary’s Cross that has allowed me a be born a free man in the family of God.
Secondly, I thanked God that during each generation of American history, we have not been devoid of our share of heroes. Men and women “who out of weakness were made strong” and “waxed valiant in fight.” Ordinary people, who like those mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11, that when called on, did extraordinary things.
From the battle fields of Valley Forge to Charleston; from Gettysburg to Cowpens; from France, Belgium, and Germany; from places like Bastogne, Battle of the Bulge, Normandy, Arnheim, Point Du Hoc, Sicily, Africa, Iowa Jima, Japan and the Philippines. From the battle fields of Korea in places like the “Frozen Chosen,” Chongju, Chonan, Gloster Hill, Porkchop Hill, Heatbreak Ridge and Hill 282. From the Cuban Missle crisis and the “Bay of Pigs.” From Gaujadala Canal to Vietnam. In places like the Ho Chi Mein Trail, Dak, Tan Son Knut, Da Nang, Kashon, and Saigon. In battles like Hamburger Hill, Dak Tu, Long Dinh, An Lao and An Loc, Battle of the Iron Triangle. In operations like Arc Light, Pony Express, Popeye and Tailwind, Operation Coronado and the Raid on San Tay. Operation Eagle Claw in the desert of Iran, where American Special Operation forces gave their lives in an attempt to rescue 52 American hostages being held in Iran. From the Island of Grenada during Operation Urgent Fury to Panama’s Operation Just Cause. The deserts of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq during the 1st Gulf War (Operations Desert Shield and Storm), to Operation Gothic Serpent in Somalia, which has come to be known as the Battle of Mogidishu. From the war torn countries of Serbia and Kosovo to the Mountains of Afghanistan, in places like Ghaznee and Gardez, Kandahar, Lask Kar Gar, Helmand, Herat, Kabul, Kunduz and Jalabad. From Bagram to Mazar-I-Sharif. From Iraqi cities like Baghdad, Mosul, Kirkuk and Fallujah. From the An Bar Province to the Sunni Triangle.
America has produced its’ share of heroes in every single generation! People like:
- Jacob Parrot in the Civil War for his role in the Great Locomotive Chase;
- William Harvey Carney, the first African American, who in spite of being shot in the face, arm and shoulder, refused to let the American flag hit the ground;
- Mary Edwards Walker, a surgeon during the Civil War and only female recipient;
- Staff Sergeant Lucian Adams, for single handedly destroying a machine gun bunker in France;
- 2nd Lieutenant Vernon Baker, Demonstrated outstanding courage and leadership in destroying enemy installations, personnel and equipment during his company’s attack against a strongly entrenched enemy in mountainous terrain;
- Sergeant John Basilone, who fought 48 hours straight to push off the enemy – later killed on Iowa Jima;
- Audie Murphy, who’s indominable spirit kept his men safe in the face of great adversity.
- Marine Corporal Charles Abrell, in Hangayong Korea, for sacrificing his life to destroy an enemy bunker.
- Army Private Charles Barker, who sacrificed his life in hand-to-hand combat with the enemy in Korea.
- Navy Corpman Edward Benfold, for giving his life to save other marines wounded on the battle field in Korea;
- Special Forces Capt. Roger Donlon, for his actions rescuing and administering first aid to several wounded soldiers and led a group against an enemy force.
- SFC Bennie Adkins, who fought for 38 hours straight in close quarter combat during the Battle of A Shau Valley.
- John Caviani, Risked his life by attacking a wave of enemy forces alone to allow the rest of his platoon to escape in South Vietnam;
- During the Battle of Mogidishu, SFC Randal Shughart and MSG Gary Gordon, 2 Delta Force Snipers assigned to watch over the operation, engaging targets from their position in the Blackhawk. As they monitored the downing of the second Blackhawk, it became evident that ground forces would not be available to secure the crash site and protect the critically injured crew of four, all of whom survived the crash. Gordon, the sniper team leader, requested that they be inserted at the 2nd crash site. His request was denied twice before finally being approved on the third request. The snipers were armed only with their sniper rifles and pistols. Upon reaching the downed Blackhawk, which was under intense enemy fire, Gordon and Shughart pulled the crew from the wreckage and proceeded to set up a defensive perimeter. The snipers, assisted by the severely injured Durant, began to engage the attacking Somalis from the opposite side of the wreckage using assault rifles stored on the Blackhawk. Shughart and Gordon were eventually mortally wounded after nearly exhausting all available ammunition;
- SSG Salvitore Giunta, Afghansitan , an Army Paratrooper, For risking his life to save a wounded soldier from being captured. Was the first living recipient since the Vietnam War.
- Marine Sergeant Dakota Meyer, Defied order from superiors and rescued 23 Afghan Allies and 13 Americans in the Battle of Ganjgal.
- Michael Murphy, Navy SEALS, Led a four-man reconnaissance team in a fight against superior numbers, exposed himself to hostile fire in order to call for help in Kunar Province.
- Marine Corporal Jason Dunham, in fighting near the Syrian border with Iraq, Fought hand-to-hand with the enemy and hurled himself on a grenade to protect fellow Marines.
America has not been devoid of its heroes. I am proud to report to you, that after working the past 13 years as a contractor in both Afghanistan and Iraq, America is still producing its share of heroes. I have watched these young soldiers put on their gear, put on their war face, and everyday head into harms-way, from FOB Frontenac and Wilson, Sangeray and Mizan, from Bagram Airbase to Kandahar Airfield, to ensure you and I can “sleep peacefully at night.” I have watched them after being ambushed by those the government say “were dressed in an Afghan uniform,” in fear of offending them out of political expediency. NO – they were the enemies of America! I have watched these young men (and women) enter our bases after being hit by IED’s. I have watched them mourn the loss of their friends, their Brothers-in-arms – yet pick themselves up and drive on with their mission.
A few years ago, a list was published that had our nation’s veterans listed as “Domestic Terrorist.” Being among this list of veterans, and having served in some of the campaigns listed prior, I believe I can say on behalf of all my brothers and sisters who have served this great country in the military, I believe we would prefer you referred to us a Veterans, sworn to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States or America against ALL enemies foreign AND domestic.”
As I sit back and watch our government, and their liberal media work day and night to try and erase our history – to change the parts they do not like or agree with, I am afraid that because we have refused to take a stand, the memories of these warriors will be lost on the next generation. Before my mind fails me, I want to say to you, to my children, to my grandchildren – that every generation of America has produced its share of true heroes. Don’t forget them – don’t forget what they’ve done and why they did it.
Where are the heroes? They are all around us – in every generation – in every church. And to you I say, first to our veterans, Thank you for your selfless sacrifice! And to my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ – thank you for your love of God and Country.
Fighting for My Pea Patch 