“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:17).

In Hebrews 11, we find listed many followers of God who exercised great faith. It is interesting to note the first three faithful examples mentioned, each having first been introduced in the oft-disbelieved (i.e., no faith) early chapters of Genesis.

Abel is first mentioned, who “offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice” (v.4). We know very little of Abel other than that he was murdered by his brother Cain after Abel’s sacrifice was accepted by God while Cain’s was rejected. Whatever else is true of Abel, we know that he was a man of faith, for he properly and faithfully worshiped God.

The next example is Enoch, who “was translated that he should not see death” (v.5). Elsewhere we read that “Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him” (Genesis 5:24). Enoch’s walk pleased God.

The third example of faith is Noah (v.7), but neither Noah’s worship nor walk is mentioned, although these are mentioned elsewhere (Genesis 6:8,9; 8:20). Here is mentioned Noah’s great work of faith, for “Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith” (v.7). Noah’s great faith led him to construct the colossal ark, a task brutally difficult and absurd from a human perspective, simply because God had told him to do so.

The progression merits attention. If we would have great faith which results in great work, we must begin with proper worship of God. This will rightly lead to a walk of faith and then will come the work of faith. A worshipping, walking faith will, as in our text, lead to great works for God. JDM