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Faith makes legends and heroes, 

Faith makes ordinary people stand out, 

Faith makes huge Dollars and Euros, 

Total faith in God wins, have no doubt.  

By faith the elders obtained a good report, 

Elders like Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Lot, 

Believing before they saw, consistency to the last dot, 

In the fields of uncertainty, a winning battle they fought.  

Moving a mountain, impossible it seems, 

Faith in God can move it, Faith can make true your highest dreams, 

Moving together in faith, make winning teams, 

By faith, your path will shine brighter than the brightest beams.  

Out of your comfort zone, into the battlefield, 

Trumpets ablaze, no fear only follow God’s lead, 

His work is effortless if to His control you yield, 

A blessed destination and protection for faith is your shield.  

Hebrews 11:1-2 (KJV) – “¹ Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. ² For by it the elders obtained a good report.” 

“By faith, the elders obtained a good report (Hebrews 11:2).” A good reputation is obtained by faith. You can have all the skills and talents in the world but if you do not have faith, you will not get a good report. The Bible says in Mark 11:23 (KJV) – “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.”  

Moving a mountain is an impossible task if you rely on human strength. The Bible does not say, if you have this skill or this talent or this amount of physical strength you will move a mountain. Instead, it says, if you have faith, you will not only move a mountain with your words but also command it to be thrown into the sea. Faith does the unthinkable. Faith does the impossible. Faith goes beyond human skill, talent and power. Therefore, faith will enable you to obtain a great reputation because if you apply it, you will do things that nobody has ever done.  

Myron Golden defines faith as a positive belief towards, a well-grounded expectation towards the unseen righteous, good and noble things. The negative belief is known as doubt. “Everybody who has ever gotten a good reputation, they have gotten it by faith. They did it by believing in something they could not see. They did it by focusing on the invisible.” – Myron Golden. Jacob in the Bible was more blessed than Esau because he focused on the invisible while Esau focused on the visible.  

In this modern world, we have many people like Esau. I once listened to former basketball player Magic Johnson being interviewed by talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. In the interview, Ellen asked Magic about the biggest mistake he ever made in his basketball career. Magic answered her by saying that when Nike Company was starting, they didn’t have enough budget to give him a contract as a brand ambassador. So, they decided to offer him stocks instead of physical cash. He rejected the offer because he wanted physical cash. He said that was one big mistake he made that he regrets till now because years later, Nike became a massive international sports brand.  

As narrated by Abel Mutua in his YouTube channel, before Hip Hop musician Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson became famous, he had a producer who used to produce music for him. One day, he got a big recording deal from Andre Young alias Dr. Dre who has an international music recording label. Young had bumped into Jackson’s mixtape and liked it. Jackson’s producer heard about that deal and demanded Jackson to give him 50,000 dollars for producing his mixtape. Jackson and the new record label tried reasoning with him and told him to take 30,000 dollars instead and 1% of the money of the future total music album sales.  

The producer refused the negotiation and demanded that they give him the whole 50,000 dollars upfront. They agreed and had him sign a document stating that he should not demand anything once the music album sells. A few months later, the music album was produced and made over 100 million U.S. Dollars. Let’s do the math. 1% of 100,000,000 is 1,000,000. The producer lost 1,000,000 because of trusting in the visible more than the invisible.  

I have seen and heard of many people who have forfeited future greatness and wealth because of instant gratification. Most of the population of people in the world are not much different from Esau. They want immediate things and never mind future things. God has given many people lucrative business ideas but because of the security and comfortability their job offers, they have died without working on those ideas. Starting and running a business involves weighty risks and if you don’t have faith, you cannot operate it successfully. Gina Din Kariuki, a Kenyan public relations expert, said she started her public relations firm with lots of prayers and faith. Many are afraid to apply faith because faith may require you to get out of your comfort zone.  

Genesis 12:1 (KJV) – “Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee.” In other words, God was telling Abraham (who was once called Abram) to get out of his comfort zone. There is great comfort outside your comfort zone if it is God who has commanded you to leave your comfort zone. God doesn’t have to speak to you loudly like He did to Abram. He may talk to you through someone, through your thoughts and often through His Word. You need to be well versed with the Word of God to discern God’s voice.  

God may allow you to tarmac and face unemployment with your lofty qualifications so that you can work on the business idea He has given you. Therefore, the best thing to do, as you are moving from office to office dropping your Curriculum Vitae (C.V), is to work on your business idea or anything that is in line with your purpose. It would be a waste of time when all you have done in three years of unemployment is drop your C.V and apply for jobs.  

Apply for as many jobs as you can, if you are looking for a job, but at the same time make sure you are doing something to add value to the world. God in His love has allowed some people to lose their jobs so that they can work on their business ideas. If they obey God’s call and move with faith, they will reap greater rewards from their businesses than they would have from their jobs.  

Pastor Mark Finley’s father lost his job when he heard the Sabbath message and chose not to work on Sabbath. He began looking for employment, but he could not find any because of stating his Sabbath beliefs. One time, he got a job from a Jewish company when he stated his Sabbath beliefs because Jews strongly believe in the Sabbath. He was employed by a Jewish firm and saved money to start his own company similar to the one he was working in. The company became so successful that it ended up buying the Jewish company.  

Acting by faith gives one a good reputation. The Bible says in Proverbs 22:1 (KJV) – “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.” A good name is better than riches because a good name can bring riches, but riches may not always give one a good name. Total trust in God assures one of greatness. All the Biblical writers are great. Some of them might have not been rich but they are great because God used them as instruments to minister to thousands of generations after they died. Faith in God gives one a good name.  

Faith is laying hold of the invisible as if it is visible. When talking about Elon Musk, Myron Golden says, “Elon Musk believed in Tesla before Tesla was Tesla. He forced us to see in the physical realm what he saw in the invisible realm.” Anything good in this world that has ever been started, began as an idea. It took a step of faith to take action to work on that idea and make it a reality.  

Ton Wenhong obtained a good reputation through Alibaba company when she joined Alibaba as a receptionist. When Jack Ma was allocating company shares, he gave Tong 0.2% shares and promised her that it will be worth 100 million USD when Alibaba goes public. Tong waited for years for Alibaba to become a public company, but it never did for more than 10 years. In September 2014 when Alibaba was listed on the New York Stock exchange, it was worth 245.7 billion US Dollars.  

Tong became a millionaire with 320 million dollars. She strongly held on to the invisible and thus earned a good reputation. I believe there are people who despised those shares when Jack Ma was giving them and left the company to work in places where they were promised a higher salary. Such people like Esau, ended up regretting it, but unfortunately, there is nothing they could do about the situation.  

Matthew 13:41-42 (KJV) – “⁴¹The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; ⁴²And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” 

God has given every man an opportunity to go to Him. Some of them, He has bid them countless times to believe in Him so that they will inherit eternal life. Unfortunately, some have chosen to have a hard heart. On the day of judgment, those who showed lack of faith in God and had the doors of probation close for them, will regret. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth because their lack of faith will make them lose eternity and the tremendous experience that comes with it.  

Some people in the Bible who obtained a good reputation: 

Enoch 

Hebrews 11:5 (KJV) – “By faith, Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” 

“Enoch’s walk with God was not in a trance or vision, but in all the duties of his daily life. He did not become a hermit, shutting himself entirely from the world; for he had a work to do for God in the world. In the family and in his intercourse with men, as a husband and father, a friend, a citizen, he was the steadfast, unwavering servant of the Lord.” – Patriarchs and Prophets, Page 85.1, Ellen G. White.  

“His heart was in harmony with God’s will; for “can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Amos 3:3. And this holy walk was continued for three hundred years. There are few Christians who would not be far more earnest and devoted if they knew that they had but a short time to live, or that the coming of Christ was about to take place. But Enoch’s faith waxed the stronger, his love became more ardent, with the lapse of centuries.” – Patriarchs and Prophets, Page 85.2, Ellen G. White.  

“Enoch was a man of strong and highly cultivated mind and extensive knowledge; he was honored with special revelations from God; yet being in constant communion with Heaven, with a sense of the divine greatness and perfection ever before him, he was one of the humblest of men. The closer the connection with God, the deeper was the sense of his own weakness and imperfection.” – Patriarchs and Prophets, Page 85.3, Ellen G. White.  

“Distressed by the increasing wickedness of the ungodly, and fearing that their infidelity might lessen his reverence for God, Enoch avoided constant association with them, and spent much time in solitude, giving himself to meditation and prayer. Thus he waited before the Lord, seeking a clearer knowledge of His will, that he might perform it. To him prayer was as the breath of the soul; he lived in the very atmosphere of heaven.” – Patriarchs and Prophets, Page 85.4, Ellen G. White.  

Enoch obtained a good reputation by walking with God all the days of his life. God translated him to heaven directly without allowing him to see death.  

Noah 

Hebrews 11:7 (KJV) – “By faith 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.”  

“By faith 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.” Hebrews 11:7. While Noah was giving his warning message to the world, his works testified of his sincerity. It was thus that his faith was perfected and made evident. He gave the world an example of believing just what God says. All that he possessed, he invested in the ark. As he began to construct that immense boat on dry ground, multitudes came from every direction to see the strange sight and to hear the earnest, fervent words of the singular preacher. Every blow struck upon the ark was a witness to the people.” – Patriarchs and Prophets, Page 95.1, Ellen G. White.  

“Many at first appeared to receive the warning; yet they did not turn to God with true repentance. They were unwilling to renounce their sins. During the time that elapsed before the coming of the Flood, their faith was tested, and they failed to endure the trial. Overcome by the prevailing unbelief, they finally joined their former associates in rejecting the solemn message. Some were deeply convicted, and would have heeded the words of warning; but there were so many to jest and ridicule, that they partook of the same spirit, resisted the invitations of mercy, and were soon among the boldest and most defiant scoffers; for none are so reckless and go to such lengths in sin as do those who have once had light, but have resisted the convicting Spirit of God.” – Patriarchs and Prophets, Page 95.2, Ellen G. White.  

By faith Noah acted quickly and built an ark as God had commanded him. Some of us have lost the greatest blessings because of choosing to delay. Esau made a sweet meal for his father. Not only did he make a sweet meal, but he also made exactly what his father wanted. His father wanted an animal from the wild where Esau used to go to hunt.  

Jacob was never a hunter; he used to stay at home. Jacob took the nearest animal from home and made meat for his father. What Jacob gave his father was not the choiciest meat, it was not exactly what his father wanted but he got all the blessings. The timing factor favored him. As much as Isaac had asked for meat from the wild, he could not stay hungry for long.  

When you present a hungry person with food, he barely cares how that food is made. Sometimes he begins eating without praying even if he is a pastor. It is when he reaches in the middle of eating that is when he says, “we forgot to pray.” Many businessmen and women miss out on opportunities because they want to present the best product in the market.  

Some customers are in a hurry and in need of a product in that line, and they want whatever product is ready. So, they take the product that is available, not caring much about the quality. Faith in God is acting fast and seizing every possible opportunity before it touches the ground. Noah obtained a good reputation by building an ark which saved him and his family from the flood.  

Abraham 

Hebrews 11:8-10 (KJV) – “⁸By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. ⁹By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: ¹⁰For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” 

“The message of God came to Abraham, “Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will show thee.” In order that God might qualify him for his great work as the keeper of the sacred oracles, Abraham must be separated from the associations of his early life. The influence of kindred and friends would interfere with the training which the Lord purposed to give His servant. Now that Abraham was, in a special sense, connected with heaven, he must dwell among strangers. His character must be peculiar, differing from all the world. He could not even explain his course of action so as to be understood by his friends. Spiritual things are spiritually discerned, and his motives and actions were not comprehended by his idolatrous kindred.” = Patriarchs and Prophets, Page 126.1, Ellen G. White.  

““By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Hebrews 11:8. Abraham’s unquestioning obedience is one of the most striking evidences of faith to be found in all the Bible. To him, faith was “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Verse 1. Relying upon the divine promise, without the least outward assurance of its fulfillment, he abandoned home and kindred and native land, and went forth, he knew not whither, to follow where God should lead. “By faith he became a sojourner in the land of promise, as in a land not his own, dwelling in tents, with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise.” Hebrews 11:9, R.V.” – Patriarchs and Prophets, Page 126.2, Ellen G. White.  

“It was no light test that was thus brought upon Abraham, no small sacrifice that was required of him. There were strong ties to bind him to his country, his kindred, and his home. But he did not hesitate to obey the call. He had no question to ask concerning the land of promise—whether the soil was fertile and the climate healthful; whether the country afforded agreeable surroundings and would afford opportunities for amassing wealth. God has spoken, and His servant must obey; the happiest place on earth for him was the place where God would have him to be.” – Patriarchs and Prophets, Page 126.3, Ellen G. White.  

Abraham did many faithful actions. He went to the land that God had told him to go to even before God gave him that land for an inheritance. He obtained a good reputation by becoming so rich materially (Genesis 13:2) and by being the father of many nations. We also read about him today and we have nicknamed him, “the father of faith.”  

Despite his old age and Sarah’s barrenness, Abraham believed God’s promise that he would have a son and that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky or as the sand by the seashore (Genesis 15:6). God gave him a son not only in old age but when his loins and Sarah’s womb were dead. God can do anything for you. Therefore, keep His commandments, including the Sabbath.  

Abraham faithfully obeyed God’s command to circumcise every male in his household as a sign of the covenant between God and his descendants (Genesis 17:23). They had never heard of circumcision. Abraham did not argue with God, telling Him that he has never heard of such a thing. Instead, he obeyed.  

“Abraham’s great act of faith stands like a pillar of light, illuminating the pathway of God’s servants in all succeeding ages. Abraham did not seek to excuse himself from doing the will of God. During that three days’ journey he had sufficient time to reason, and to doubt God, if he was disposed to doubt. He might have reasoned that the slaying of his son would cause him to be looked upon as a murderer, a second Cain; that it would cause his teaching to be rejected and despised; and thus destroy his power to do good to his fellow men. He might have pleaded that age should excuse him from obedience. But the patriarch did not take refuge in any of these excuses. Abraham was human; his passions and attachments were like ours; but he did not stop to question how the promise could be fulfilled if Isaac should be slain. He did not stay to reason with his aching heart. He knew that God is just and righteous in all His requirements, and he obeyed the command to the very letter.” – Patriarchs and Prophets, Page 153.3, Ellen G. White.  

“Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the friend of God.” James 2:23. And Paul says, “They which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.” Galatians 3:7. But Abraham’s faith was made manifest by his works. “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?” James 2:21, 22. There are many who fail to understand the relation of faith and works. They say, “Only believe in Christ, and you are safe. You have nothing to do with keeping the law.” But genuine faith will be manifest in obedience. Said Christ to the unbelieving Jews, “If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.” John 8:39. And concerning the father of the faithful the Lord declares, “Abraham obeyed My voice, and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.” Genesis 26:5. Says the apostle James, “Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” James 2:17. And John, who dwells so fully upon love, tells us, “This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments.” 1 John 5:3.” – Patriarchs and Prophets, Page 153.4, Ellen G. White.  

In the ultimate test of faith, Abraham was willing to obey God’s command to sacrifice his son Isaac, trusting that God would raise him from the dead if necessary (Hebrews 11:17). Even though he did not do it, God counted it done because of his faith-filled motive. God recognizes your inner righteous motives even when you do not get the opportunity to do them, and He counts it as if you have already done it. He goes ahead and gives you the blessing of that motive even if you did not do it.  

Abraham also demonstrated faith in God’s justice and mercy by interceding on behalf of Sodom, asking God to spare the city if righteous people could be found there (Genesis 18:23). Abraham would have used that opportunity to laugh at his nephew Lot because Lot had chosen the best and most fertile land for himself. He did not do that. Instead, he went out of his way to intercede with God, bargaining with God to spare the sinful city. Abraham did many actions that portrayed faith in God.  

“Many are still tested as was Abraham. They do not hear the voice of God speaking directly from the heavens, but He calls them by the teachings of His word and the events of His providence. They may be required to abandon a career that promises wealth and honor, to leave congenial and profitable associations and separate from kindred, to enter upon what appears to be only a path of self-denial, hardship, and sacrifice. God has a work for them to do; but a life of ease and the influence of friends and kindred would hinder the development of the very traits essential for its accomplishment. He calls them away from human influences and aid, and leads them to feel the need of His help, and to depend upon Him alone, that He may reveal Himself to them. Who is ready at the call of Providence to renounce cherished plans and familiar associations? Who will accept new duties and enter untried fields, doing God’s work with firm and willing heart, for Christ’s sake counting his losses gain? He who will do this has the faith of Abraham, and will share with him that “far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,” with which “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared.” 2 Corinthians 4:17; Romans 8:18.” – Patriarchs and Prophets, Page 126.4, Ellen G. White.  

By faith Abraham obtained a good reputation.  

Isaac 

Genesis 26:1-4 (KJV) – “¹ And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar. ²And the Lord appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of: ³Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father; ⁴And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;” 

Genesis 26:12-16 (KJV) – “¹²Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold: and the Lord blessed him. ¹³And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: ¹⁴For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him. ¹⁵For all the wells which his father’s servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth. ¹⁶And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.” 

Isaac sowed in the land that had famine, and he received a hundredfold from that land in that time of famine. Clearly, it was not his sowing that brought the increase, it was God who brought the increase. God is responsible for your profits. Isaac became great in that land as he had possession of flocks, herds and numerous servants. He was great to the point that the Philistines envied him. They could not bear him, they had to chase him away. We can see here that Isaac obtained a good report in the eyes of unbelievers because of his faith in the living God. 

Isaac did many other amazing things that showed he had faith in God which made him to obtain a good reputation. Isaac willingly submitted to his father Abraham when he was to be offered as a sacrifice. Although the Bible focuses more on Abraham’s faith, Isaac’s submission also reflects his trust in God (Genesis 22:9).  

Isaac’s relationship with his father reflects that of Jesus with his mother. When people had no wine, Jesus’ mother told them, “Whatever He says unto you, do it (John 2:5).” Jesus’ mother had total trust in Jesus. She gave birth to him and watched him grow. There might have been many things that Jesus told his parents, and they refused to do it, only to realize later that Jesus was right.  

In the case of Abraham and Isaac, Isaac had absolute trust in his father as he had witnessed his faithful walk with God. His respect for his father caused him to be willing to be sacrificed because he believed that it was God’s command. The best way that parents can use to advise their children is to live the life that they advise their children to live.  

Some parents do some evil things secretly and they advise their children to do the righteous thing. The parent thinks that because the child has never seen them do those evil things, they will surely obey. Someone might not have seen you doing something evil. However, when you give advice that you do not practice, that advice does not come with authority because it does not come from a point of conviction.  

Many sermons are boring because they do not come from a point of conviction no matter the impressive, convincing and intellectual language the preacher uses. Isaac saw how his dad lived and was willing to obey Him in everything even when it meant getting killed.  

When Isaac’s wife Rebekah was barren, Isaac prayed to the Lord on her behalf, showing his faith in God’s power to grant them children. God answered his prayer, and Rebekah conceived twins (Genesis 25:21). Isaac did not blame his wife for not giving him children. He did not rush to marry another wife. He did not treat his wife with contempt for not having children. Instead, he prayed for his wife.  

When we are faced with trouble, the last thing most of us do is pray. We do everything that is possible, sometimes evil to try to get that thing. Isaac obtained a good reputation when he prayed for his household because God brought blessings to that household following Isaac’s prayers.  

Isaac demonstrated his faith in God’s provision and promises by reopening the wells that his father Abraham had dug, which the Philistines had brought to a halt. This action showed his commitment to maintain and continue the legacy of God’s blessings. No matter how much property you own, it is noble to take care of your parents’ property even though sometimes it might be difficult to manage. This is to ensure that nothing goes to waste. Manage them and make them better than they were before. Isaac obtained a good reputation by doing these faithful actions.  

When faced with conflict over water rights, Isaac chose the path of peace by moving to different locations rather than engaging in strife. This act of faith showed his trust in God’s ability to provide for him regardless of opposition (Genesis 26:22). This is the epitome of the common phrase, “like father, like son.” Isaac did with others the same way that his father did with Lot. Isaac moved to different locations instead of engaging in strife. Abraham allowed Lot to choose first despite being Lot’s senior in everything. Through their faithful actions, Abraham and Isaac earned good reputations.  

Isaac faithfully carried out the blessing of his sons, Jacob and Esau, according to God’s plan, even though Jacob received the blessing through deception. This act fulfilled God’s promise that the elder would serve the younger (Hebrews 11:20). Isaac left his children a powerful spiritual inheritance. They were superabundantly blessed because of the blessed words that Isaac had spoken to their lives  

Jacob 

Genesis 25:29-34 (KJV) – “²⁹And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: ³⁰And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. ³¹And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. ³²And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? ³³And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. ³⁴Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.” 

“Jacob had learned from his mother of the divine intimation that the birthright should fall to him, and he was filled with an unspeakable desire for the privileges which it would confer. It was not the possession of his father’s wealth that he craved; the spiritual birthright was the object of his longing. To commune with God as did righteous Abraham, to offer the sacrifice of atonement for his family, to be the progenitor of the chosen people and of the promised Messiah, and to inherit the immortal possessions embraced in the blessings of the covenant—here were the privileges and honors that kindled his most ardent desires. His mind was ever reaching forward to the future, and seeking to grasp its unseen blessings.” – Patriarchs and Prophets, Page 178.2, Ellen G. White.  

“With secret longing he listened to all that his father told concerning the spiritual birthright; he carefully treasured what he had learned from his mother. Day and night the subject occupied his thoughts, until it became the absorbing interest of his life. But while he thus esteemed eternal above temporal blessings, Jacob had not an experimental knowledge of the God whom he revered. His heart had not been renewed by divine grace. He believed that the promise concerning himself could not be fulfilled so long as Esau retained the rights of the first-born, and he constantly studied to devise some way whereby he might secure the blessing which his brother held so lightly, but which was so precious to himself.” – Patriarchs and Prophets, Page 178.3, Ellen G. White.  

“When Esau, coming home one day faint and weary from the chase, asked for the food that Jacob was preparing, the latter, with whom one thought was ever uppermost, seized upon his advantage, and offered to satisfy his brother’s hunger at the price of the birthright. “Behold, I am at the point to die,” cried the reckless, self-indulgent hunter, “and what profit shall this birthright do to me?” And for a dish of red pottage he parted with his birthright, and confirmed the transaction by an oath. A short time at most would have secured him food in his father’s tents, but to satisfy the desire of the moment he carelessly bartered the glorious heritage that God Himself had promised to his fathers. His whole interest was in the present. He was ready to sacrifice the heavenly to the earthly, to exchange a future good for a momentary indulgence.” – Patriarchs and Prophets, Page 179.1, Ellen G. White.  

Many people believe that hard work brings success. Hard work is important when it is intertwined with faith in God. Some people choose to do things the hard and tiring way because it makes them feel smarter. Esau did more tiring work than Jacob as he spent long hours in the field hunting for animals. Jacob did less tiring work as he was always at home helping with the home duties.  

From the story we can see that Jacob esteemed spiritual things while Esau esteemed physical things. Esau saw no need for a birthright and exchanged his birthright for a plate of food. “Behold, I am at the point to die.” The extremity that Esau faced made him sell his birthright to Jacob. Jacob showed more faith in God as he understood the value of the birthright. He bought from Esau that which was priceless in exchange for that which had a price tag.  By faith, Jacob obtained a good reputation through his esteeming of spiritual things above material things. 

Jacob received a vision of a stairway to heaven, where God renewed His promises to bless him and his descendants. Jacob responded in faith, acknowledging God’s presence and promising to serve Him (Genesis 28:20). Jacob wrestled with God throughout the night, refusing to let go until he received a blessing. This act demonstrated his persistence in faith despite the struggles (Genesis 32:28).  

After returning to Bethel, Jacob faithfully built an altar to God, acknowledging Him as his protector and the one who guided him throughout his journey. This act of worship showed his devotion and gratitude to God for His faithfulness (Genesis 35:7).  

Jacob blessed his grandsons, Ephraim and Manasseh, placing them into the inheritance of God’s covenant promises. He crossed his hands, placing the greater blessing on the younger son, Ephraim, showing faith in God’s plan beyond natural birth order (Hebrews 11:21). 

Joseph 

Genesis 41:41-45 (KJV) – “⁴¹And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt. ⁴²And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck; ⁴³And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. ⁴⁴And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, I am Pharaoh, and without thee shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt. ⁴⁵And Pharaoh called Joseph’s name Zaphnathpaaneah; and he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Potipherah priest of On. And Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt.” 

“He made him lord of his house, and ruler of all his substance: to bind his princes at his pleasure; and teach his senators wisdom.” Psalm 105:21, 22. From the dungeon Joseph was exalted to be ruler over all the land of Egypt. It was a position of high honor, yet it was beset with difficulty and peril. One cannot stand upon a lofty height without danger. As the tempest leaves unharmed the lowly flower of the valley, while it uproots the stately tree upon the mountaintop, so those who have maintained their integrity in humble life may be dragged down to the pit by the temptations that assail worldly success and honor. But Joseph’s character bore the test alike of adversity and prosperity. The same fidelity to God was manifest when he stood in the palace of the Pharaohs as when in a prisoner’s cell. He was still a stranger in a heathen land, separated from his kindred, the worshipers of God; but he fully believed that the divine hand had directed his steps, and in constant reliance upon God he faithfully discharged the duties of his position. Through Joseph the attention of the king and great men of Egypt was directed to the true God; and though they adhered to their idolatry, they learned to respect the principles revealed in the life and character of the worshiper of Jehovah.” – Patriarchs and Prophets, Page 222.1, Ellen G. White.  

“How was Joseph enabled to make such a record of firmness of character, uprightness, and wisdom?—In his early years he had consulted duty rather than inclination; and the integrity, the simple trust, the noble nature, of the youth bore fruit in the deeds of the man. A pure and simple life had favored the vigorous development of both physical and intellectual powers. Communion with God through His works and the contemplation of the grand truths entrusted to the inheritors of faith had elevated and ennobled his spiritual nature, broadening and strengthening the mind as no other study could do. Faithful attention to duty in every station, from the lowliest to the most exalted, had been training every power for its highest service. He who lives in accordance with the Creator’s will is securing to himself the truest and noblest development of character. “The fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.” Job 28:28.” – Patriarchs and Prophets, Page 222.2, Ellen G. White.  

“There are few who realize the influence of the little things of life upon the development of character. Nothing with which we have to do is really small. The varied circumstances that we meet day by day are designed to test our faithfulness and to qualify us for greater trusts. By adherence to principle in the transactions of ordinary life, the mind becomes accustomed to hold the claims of duty above those of pleasure and inclination. Minds thus disciplined are not wavering between right and wrong, like the reed trembling in the wind; they are loyal to duty because they have trained themselves to habits of fidelity and truth. By faithfulness in that which is least they acquire strength to be faithful in greater matters.” – Patriarchs and Prophets, Page 222.3, Ellen G. White.  

Joseph was faithful in his father’s house. His brothers were envious of him; therefore, they sold him into slavery. Being sold into slavery might have seemed like a demotion, but it was a promotion for him. He went to Potiphar’s house and Potiphar esteemed him above all the other servants in his house because he brought prosperity to Potiphar’s house and Potiphar saw that the Lord was with Joseph (Genesis 39:1-2). Potiphar’s wife made a false accusation on Joseph and Joseph was thrown in prison for thirteen years. Through God’s help and guidance, while in prison he continued using his gift of dream interpretation which later resulted in Pharaoh exalting him to be the highest person in Egypt, second to him. Joseph obtained a good reputation by faith.  

Moses 

Hebrews 11:24-27 (KJV) – “²⁴By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; ²⁵Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; ²⁶Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. ²⁷By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.” 

“”By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.” Hebrews 11:24-26. Moses was fitted to take pre-eminence among the great of the earth, to shine in the courts of its most glorious kingdom, and to sway the scepter of its power. His intellectual greatness distinguishes him above the great men of all ages. As historian, poet, philosopher, general of armies, and legislator, he stands without a peer. Yet with the world before him, he had the moral strength to refuse the flattering prospects of wealth and greatness and fame, “choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.”” – Patriarchs and Prophets, Page 245.4, Ellen G. white.  

“Moses had been instructed in regard to the final reward to be given to the humble and obedient servants of God, and worldly gain sank to its proper insignificance in comparison. The magnificent palace of Pharaoh and the monarch’s throne were held out as an inducement to Moses; but he knew that the sinful pleasures that make men forget God were in its lordly courts. He looked beyond the gorgeous palace, beyond a monarch’s crown, to the high honors that will be bestowed on the saints of the Most High in a kingdom untainted by sin. He saw by faith an imperishable crown that the King of heaven would place on the brow of the overcomer. This faith led him to turn away from the lordly ones of earth and join the humble, poor, despised nation that had chosen to obey God rather than to serve sin.” – Patriarchs and Prophets, Page 246.1, Ellen G. White.  

When Moses had matured in faith, he refused to be called a prince. Instead, he chose to suffer affliction with the people of God. By faith, he understood that the gifts of God are eternal whereas the gifts of this world are temporary. He chose the most eternal gifts by choosing to be on God’s side. He esteemed the reproach of Christ to be of a greater value than the treasures in Egypt.  

When I went to Egypt, I took some photos of the jewelry stores and posted them on my social media and my friends started asking me to buy them jewelry. Moses esteemed God higher than the most expensive jewelries from Egypt. He forsook the privilege of being an earthly prince to suffer with the Israelites in the wilderness. Such actions of faith made Moses get a great reputation.  

Rahab 

Hebrews 11:31 (KJV) –^“By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.” 

Rahab was a harlot who did one righteous act that is recorded in the Bible. She received the spies with peace and helped hide them. What caused Rahab to do that? Joshua 2:9-11 (KJV) – “⁹ And she said unto the men, I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. ¹⁰ For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed. ¹¹ And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.’” 

Rahab did not know much about God as many Christians do. She might have only known the things which she narrated to the spies in Joshua 2:9-11. However, these events caused her to fear God greatly and made her acknowledge that the Lord in heaven is the true God. The action she took of hiding the spies was out of the fear of the Lord. She asked the spies for a favor. The favor she asked was to have her and her house saved from the destruction that was going to come.  

Rahab asked for that favor because she believed that God could do anything and she believed in the Word of the Lord that surely, He is going to destroy that city. Rahab obtained a good reputation, and her story was written by the writer of Hebrews who wrote the book of Hebrews many years later after her death. That alone shows that Rahab obtained a good reputation by faith.  
 

Job 

Job 2:9-10 (KJV) – “⁹Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? Curse God, and die. ¹⁰But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.” 

Job 42:10 (KJV) – “And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” 

“According to his faith, so was it unto Job. “When He hath tried me,” he said, “I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10. So it came to pass. By his patient endurance he vindicated his own character, and thus the character of Him whose representative he was. And “the Lord turned the captivity of Job: … also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before…. So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning.” Job 42:10-12.” – Education, Page 156.5, Ellen G. White.  

God turned the captivity of Job when Job prayed for his friends and gave Job twice as much as he had before. Job obtained a good reputation through faith. Imagine having the capacity to pray for your friends when you are facing the direst circumstances.  

Many people will wait for their problems to end before they help someone else. Most Christians will wait for God to answer their prayers before they pray for someone else. Job prayed for his friends when he hardly had the capacity to pray. By faith, he worshipped God in all seasons, both the good and the bad. His faith caused him to obtain a good reputation.  

Daniel 

Daniel 2:46-48 (KJV) – “⁴⁶Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell upon his face, and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an oblation and sweet odours unto him. ⁴⁷The king answered unto Daniel, and said, Of a truth it is, that your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret. ⁴⁸Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.” 

Through God’s help, Daniel interpreted the king’s dream truthfully and accurately. He did not tell the king all the pleasing words that the king would have wanted to hear. Someone else might have been afraid to tell the king the truth. So, they would have altered the truth to please the king. They would have told Nebuchadnezzar that his mighty kingdom would last forever to make him happy but that was not the truth.  

By faith, Daniel obtained a good reputation in the eyes of the king. One of the most powerful kings this world has ever had made Daniel a great man in his kingdom and gave him many great gifts. Nebuchadnezzar also made Daniel the ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.  

Daniel 6:1-3 (KJV) – “¹ It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; ²And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage. ³Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.” 

Daniel was not only excellent in the Babylonian empire, but he was also excellent in the Persian empire despite being quite stricken in years than he was during the previous reigns. King Darius saw this excellence and set him among one of the three presidents and made him the first among them. This is the true fulfillment of the promise that God gives to his obedient children, promising them that they shall be first and not last (Deuteronomy 28:13). The king set Daniel over the entire realm. Daniel consistently obtained a good reputation by faith. If you want to go higher in life without stopping, if you want to always obtain a good reputation, always have faith.  

The Three Hebrew Boys 

Daniel 2:17-19 (KJV) – “¹⁷Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions: ¹⁸That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. ¹⁹Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven.” 

Daniel 2:49 (KJV) – “Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king.” 

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego lived in harmony with God’s commandments. Therefore, when Daniel was blessed, they were blessed too because Daniel requested the king to set them over the affairs of the kingdom. By faith Daniel and his friends obtained a good reputation. 

Daniel 3:16-27 (KJV) – “¹⁶ Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. ¹⁷ If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. ¹⁸ But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. ¹⁹ Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of his visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore he spake, and commanded that they should heat the furnace one seven times more than it was wont to be heated. ²⁰ And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. ²¹ Then these men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. ²² Therefore because the king’s commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire slew those men that took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. ²³ And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. ²⁴ Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. ²⁵ He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. ²⁶ Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, came forth of the midst of the fire. ²⁷ And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king’s counsellors, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.” 

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were willing to face death rather than worship the idol that the king had set up. The king heated the fiery furnace seven times so that these faithful young men could suffer the most painful death ever. The furnace was extremely hot that those who threw them in did not survive, they died on the spot.  

When King Nebuchadnezzar went to check the fate that had befallen the three Hebrew Boys, he was expecting that the worst had happened to them. He was surprised to see that they had not burnt even a single bit, and they were joined with another person who was not thrown in who was Jesus. The faith of the three Hebrew boys made them get a good reputation in the eyes of the pagan king, the Babylonian people and those of us who read about them today.  

King Nebuchadnezzar (Babylonian King) 

King Nebuchadnezzar, though not typically remembered for acts of faith like biblical figures such as Abraham or Moses, had key moments in his life where he recognized and expressed faith in the power and sovereignty of God.  

King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged God’s power after the fiery furnace incident. After witnessing the miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace, Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged the greatness of God and decreed that no one should speak against Him. 

Daniel 3:29 (KJ21) – “Therefore I make a decree: That every people, nation, and language which speak anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill, because there is no other god who can deliver after this sort.” 

King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished when he saw what God can do. He acknowledged that no other God could deliver like the way the true God did. He had worshiped other gods but none of the gods he had worshiped had shown such tremendous power. A point of thought: If God delivered the three Hebrew boys from the deadly fiery furnace, what can’t he deliver you from?  

King Nebuchadnezzar recognized God’s superiority when Daniel interpreted his dream. When Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, the king acknowledged that Daniel’s God was the “God of gods” and a revealer of mysteries, showing respect for God’s wisdom. 

Daniel 2:47 (KJ21) – “The king answered unto Daniel and said, ‘Truly, your God is a God of gods, and a Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, seeing thou couldest reveal this secret.’” 

Following a period of humbling madness (as prophesied by Daniel), Nebuchadnezzar repented and acknowledged the sovereignty of the Most High God, praising and honoring Him for His eternal dominion. 

Daniel 4:34 (KJ21) – “And at the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me; and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored Him who liveth forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom is from generation to generation.” 

After being restored to his kingdom, Nebuchadnezzar openly declared God’s power, justice, and ability to humble the proud, demonstrating a profound recognition of God’s authority. 

Daniel 4:37 (KJ21) – “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of Heaven, all whose works are truth and His ways judgment; and those who walk in pride He is able to abase.” 

King Nebuchadnezzar started off as a pagan king but ended up being a righteous king, believing in God. He was saved. He wrote Daniel chapter 4. His faith in God gave him a good reputation.  

Nehemiah  

The name Nehemiah comes from the Hebrew name נְחֶמְיָה (Nechemyah), which means “Yahweh (God) comforts” or “The Lord comforts.” This name reflects the comfort and restoration that God brought to His people through Nehemiah’s leadership during a time of great distress and rebuilding. 

Nehemiah lived up to the meaning of his name, as he played a key role in comforting and restoring the Jewish people by leading them to rebuild their city and their faith. 

Nehemiah was a key figure in the Old Testament, known primarily for his leadership in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after the Israelites returned from Babylonian exile. He served as the cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia, a position of high trust and influence, which allowed him direct access to the king. 

Nehemiah was deeply concerned about the state of Jerusalem when he learned that its walls were still in ruins, leaving the city vulnerable to enemies. He prayed earnestly to God and then courageously requested permission from the king to return and lead the effort to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls. 

These are some of the acts of faith that Nehemiah did:  

Prayer and Fasting for Jerusalem 

Nehemiah 1:4 (KJV) – “And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.” 

When Nehemiah heard about the broken walls of Jerusalem, he immediately turned to God in prayer and fasting. This simple action showed his faith in God’s power to help.  

Fasting is a sacrificial act. Many Christians find it hard to fast for their own needs, let alone the needs of others. Nehemiah’s love for his people made him to fast and pray for them when he heard about the broken walls of Jerusalem. He denied himself food to pray and fast for other people. It is an act of faith to go the extra mile to sacrifice for others. Not just your family, friends and loved ones, but other people whom you do not know.  

Nehemiah 1:11 (KJV) – “O Lord, I beseech Thee, let now Thine ear be attentive to the prayer of Thy servant, and to the prayer of Thy servants, who desire to fear Thy name: and prosper, I pray Thee, Thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer.” 

Nehemiah is earnestly asking God to listen to his prayer and the prayers of other Israelites who “fear” (respect, revere, and honor) God. His language (“I beseech Thee”) reflects deep humility and urgency. Nehemiah shows his faith by believing that God hears the prayers of those who are devoted to Him and genuinely seek His favor. 

Nehemiah prays for success and asks God to bless his efforts. He believes that his plans and actions can only succeed if they have God’s approval and aid. Here, Nehemiah is preparing to approach the king with a bold request, to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the city. Nehemiah accompanied his faith with actions. He prayed and believed that God would bless his efforts.  

The phrase “this day” indicates that Nehemiah is seeking God’s immediate help for an upcoming situation, specifically his interaction with the king. “This man,” refers to King Artaxerxes, the Persian ruler Nehemiah served. Although Artaxerxes was a powerful and authoritative king, Nehemiah refers to him simply as “this man,” which demonstrates his recognition that God is the true sovereign ruler above all earthly kings. 

Nehemiah asked God to grant him favor and mercy in the eyes of the king, because his request to leave and rebuild Jerusalem could be seen as risky or rebellious. He relies on God’s intervention to soften the king’s heart. Nehemiah’s role as the king’s cupbearer was one of trust and responsibility. As the cupbearer, he had direct access to the king and was responsible for tasting the king’s wine to ensure it wasn’t poisoned. His position gave him a unique opportunity to present his request to the king. 

Nehemiah acknowledged that God had placed him in a trusted position in the Persian court, which he saw as part of God’s plan to help His people. Despite his important role, Nehemiah’s heart was with the well-being of Jerusalem, and he was willing to take the risk of asking for help. 

Nehemiah kept the Sabbath principle as he fully depended on God the Creator of success. Before taking any action, he seeks God’s guidance and intervention, recognizing that it is God who ultimately controls the outcome. Nehemiah was about to approach a powerful king with a significant and potentially dangerous request. Despite the risk, he trusts that God will give him the courage and favor needed. 

Even though Nehemiah holds a high position in the king’s court, he humbly asks God to act on his behalf. His humility is clear in his recognition of his need for divine help, despite his human influence. Nehemiah understood that even the heart of a king is under God’s control (Proverbs 21:1, Ezra 7:27). Nehemiah prayed for God to guide and shape the outcome of his meeting with the king. 

Boldness to Request Permission from the King 

Nehemiah showed faith in God by asking King Artaxerxes for permission to go to Jerusalem and rebuild the walls, trusting that God would grant him favor. 

Nehemiah 2:4-5 (KJV) – “⁴ And the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven. ⁵ And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers’ sepulchres, that I may build it.” 

King Artaxerxes I, told Nehemiah to make his request. Before Nehemiah made his request, he prayed to God. Make prayer a prerequisite before you do anything, even the smallest of things. This is because God is the way (John 14:6). Therefore, when you pray before you do anything, God will give you the best direction in doing that thing. After he prayed, he went ahead to make his request to the king. He made his request to the king boldly but politely. You can be bold but also polite. Courage is not rudeness. He requested the king to send him to Judah to rebuild the city walls. 
 

Trusting God’s Hand in the Favor of the King 

Nehemiah 2:8 (KJV) – “And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.” 

Nehemiah recognized that it was God’s hand that made the king grant him his request, showing his faith in God’s providence. Nehemiah acknowledged that even though it was the king who had granted him permission to rebuild the walls, it was God who had worked in the king’s heart. We often like putting God out of the picture. We want to appreciate ourselves and everyone else, but we rarely appreciate and acknowledge God. Nehemiah acknowledged that God’s hand was upon him.  

Rallying the People to Rebuild 

Nehemiah 2:17-18 (KJV) – “Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king’s words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.” 

Nehemiah’s faith in God’s plan gave him the confidence to rally the people of Jerusalem to join him in rebuilding the city walls, assuring them that God would help them succeed. 

Mobilization is a great skill, especially for a leader. Leaders ought to gain wisdom from God on how to mobilize people to do a righteous assignment. Nehemiah first told them of the distress that they were going through, how Jerusalem was in waste and how the gates were burned with fire. He told them to rebuild Jerusalem so that they cannot be reproached again. Nehemiah’s call caused them to work hard in rebuilding the walls. Nehemiah’s faith resulted in a good reputation.  
 

Praying Against Opposition 

Nehemiah 4:4 (KJV) – “Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity.” 

Nehemiah 4:9 (KJV) – “Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.” 

When Nehemiah faced opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah, and other enemies, he demonstrated his faith by praying to God for strength and protection. Nehemiah prayed continually for God to enable them to overcome opposition over their enemies.  

Their enemies despised them, therefore, he prayed for God to turn their reproach upon their own head and give them for a prey in the land of captivity (Nehemiah 4:4). They prayed unto God and set a watch against the day and night (Nehemiah 4:9). They did not just pray and sit down and relax. They showed their faith through actions by setting a full time watch against them.  

Trusting God While Working Under Threat 

Nehemiah 4:14 (KJV) – “And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” 

Nehemiah 4:20 (KJV) – “In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us.” 

Nehemiah showed his faith in God’s protection by continuing to work on the walls, even while facing constant threats. He encouraged the people to defend themselves but also to trust that God would fight for them. They were to fight the battle, but the victory would come from God. When embarking on God’s mission, you may face a lot of opposition. Worry not because victory comes from God.  

Refusing to Be Distracted by Enemies 

Nehemiah 6:3 (KJV) – “And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?” 

When Nehemiah’s enemies attempted to lure him away from the work through deception, he refused, demonstrating faith that God’s work must not be interrupted. As Myron Golden often says, “Disruption follows intention.” Beware of the disruptions. When you are conducting a godly assignment, lots of disruptions are going to come your way to divert your attention from that noble and righteous work that you are doing. Pray to God to enable you overcome the disruptions. Do not for a moment pause or stop doing the Lord’s work.  

Refusal to Exploit the People for Personal Gain 

Nehemiah 5:15 (KJV) – “But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.” 

Nehemiah showed faith by not taking advantage of his position as governor. He refused the food allowance and instead worked for the welfare of the people, trusting God to reward him. Nehemiah did not take the extra allowances given to him because of the fear of God.  

Nehemiah had a right to take those benefits, but he did not. The selflessness that God had cultivated in him made him refuse what was rightfully given to him and what he truly deserved so that the people around him could live a better life. The world would be so much better if we had leaders with such a mindset. 

Faithful Dedication of the Completed Wall 

Nehemiah 12:27 (KJV) – “And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.” 

Once the wall was completed, Nehemiah demonstrated his faith by organizing a dedication ceremony to thank and honor God for His faithfulness and help. They worshiped and praised God with all their hearts. They had no limitations. They used a variety of instruments to praise God and to dedicate the completed wall. Make it a practice to dedicate every new thing that you have acquired to God, no matter how small it is.  

Continual Dependence on God through Prayer 

Nehemiah 5:19 (KJV) – “Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.” 

Nehemiah 13:14 (KJV) – “Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.” 

Throughout Nehemiah’s leadership, he continually prayed and sought God’s guidance, always relying on God for strength and wisdom. You should pray to God all the time, for God to give you the proper direction in your life. You should surrender to God at each moment, faithfully yielding to His control.  

Nehemiah’s actions of faith were grounded in prayer, dependence on God, and unwavering determination to complete the work God had given him, even amidst great opposition. His life is an inspiring example of leadership and faithfulness. 

Ezra 

Ezra was a Jewish priest, scribe, and leader who played a crucial role in the spiritual and religious restoration of the Jewish people following their return from Babylonian exile. His life and work are recorded in the Book of Ezra and the Book of Nehemiah. Ezra was a descendant of Aaron, the first high priest of Israel, which gave him a strong priestly lineage and authority among the Jewish people. 

Ezra lived during the reign of Artaxerxes I, king of Persia, around the mid-5th century BC. After the first wave of Jews returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple under Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest, Ezra led a second group of exiles back to Jerusalem to teach God’s law and restore proper worship. 

The name Ezra ( עֶזְרָא)  means “help” or “helper.” This name reflects his role as one who was sent by God to help restore the religious life of the Jewish people during their return to Jerusalem. Ezra, as a faithful priest and scribe, was instrumental in guiding the people back to faithful observance of God’s law, making him a “helper” in the spiritual rebuilding of the nation. 

Ezra’s key accomplishments include: 

1. Leading a group of exiles back to Jerusalem from Babylon in 458 BC, where he sought to re-establish the observance of the Mosaic Law and renew the covenant between the people and God. 

2. Teaching and interpreting the Law of Moses to the people of Israel, encouraging them to live according to God’s commandments. 

3. Confronting social and religious issues, such as the problem of intermarriage with foreign nations, which was against the law of God at that time. 

His efforts, especially concerning the people’s spiritual well-being, led to the renewal of Jewish identity and worship during a critical time in Israel’s history. 

Background of the Book of Ezra 

The Book of Ezra is a historical book in the Old Testament that records the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem and their efforts to rebuild the city and reestablish their religious practices. The book is divided into two main sections, focusing on two key events: 

• The Rebuilding of the Temple (Ezra 1–6). 

• The Spiritual Restoration Led by Ezra (Ezra 7–10). 

Rebuilding the Temple (Chapters 1–6) 

• This section focuses on the first return of the exiles under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Joshua the high priest. After King Cyrus of Persia issued a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerusalem, they began the process of rebuilding the temple. 

• Despite opposition from neighboring nations, the temple was completed in 515 BC under the reign of King Darius I of Persia. This part of the book highlights the fulfillment of God’s promises and the perseverance of the Jewish people to reestablish worship at the temple. 

Spiritual Reformation (Chapters 7–10) 

• This section begins with the arrival of Ezra in Jerusalem during the reign of Artaxerxes I of Persia. Ezra, a skilled scribe and teacher of the Law, was commissioned by the king to bring religious and civil order to the Jewish community. 

• Ezra was deeply concerned with the people’s faithfulness to God’s Law, and his primary mission was to teach the Law of Moses, ensure its observance, and lead the people in repentance and renewal of their covenant with God. 

• One of the major issues Ezra confronted was the problem of Jewish men marrying foreign women, which was against God’s command because it often led to the worship of foreign gods. Ezra led the people in repentance and helped them resolve this issue to preserve the purity of their faith. 

Historical and Theological Importance 

• The Return from Exile: The return from Babylonian exile was a fulfillment of God’s promise to bring His people back to their land. Ezra’s work was crucial in helping the Jewish people reclaim their identity and covenant relationship with God after decades of exile. 

• Reestablishment of the Law: Ezra emphasized the importance of the Law of Moses, teaching the people to live according to God’s commands. His efforts laid the foundation for later Jewish religious practices, including the development of synagogues and the role of scribes as teachers of the law. 

• God’s Faithfulness: The book of Ezra highlights God’s faithfulness in restoring His people to their land and helping them rebuild both physically (the temple and city) and spiritually (their relationship with God). 

• Challenges and Opposition: The book also shows the challenges faced by the Jewish people as they worked to rebuild Jerusalem. Despite opposition from surrounding nations, the perseverance of the people, with God’s help, led to the successful rebuilding of the temple and a renewed commitment to the Law. 

Here are key actions that demonstrated Ezra’s faith in God: 

Seeking God’s Guidance and Favor through Prayer and Fasting 

Ezra 8:21-23 (KJV) – “²¹ Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of Him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. ²² For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way, because we had spoken unto the king, saying, ‘The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek Him; but His power and His wrath are against all them that forsake Him.’ ²³ So we fasted and besought our God for this, and He was entreated of us.” 

The River Ahava mentioned in Ezra 8:21-23 was likely a location or a canal in the region of Babylonia where Ezra and the Jewish exiles gathered before their journey back to Jerusalem. The exact geographical identity of the River Ahava is not known, as it is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, and its specific historical location has not been confirmed by archeological evidence. However, it is believed to have been somewhere in Mesopotamia, possibly a tributary or canal linked to the Euphrates River. 

In Hebrew, “Ahava” (אֲהָוָא) is related to the root word “ahav” (אָהַב), which means “to love” or “love.” Thus, River Ahava means the River of Love. God is love (1 John 4:8). This means that River Ahava was probably a sacred place. It is good to have specific places that are consecrated for prayer.  

Ezra’s faith in God is demonstrated by his reliance on prayer and fasting when facing challenges. They proclaimed a fast for God to give them direction on everything. They wanted to seek a right way for themselves, for their little ones and for all their substance. They were ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers because they had previously told the king that God was with them.  

The fact that Ezra and others fasted for God to give them direction, undoubtedly shows that direction is a very crucial thing. Not many people pray for direction, let alone fasting. People often choose a way, not knowing whether that way is wrong or right, then they embark on that way and pray while they are stuck in the middle of that way. Even when they are praying, they barely ask God for direction. Instead, they ask God to clear that wrong way.  

Nobody (including the most spiritual people) has a manual on how to go about every tiny aspect of their life. This should draw us closer to God as we need Him in every little step we take to give us the proper direction. Sometimes the direction we are seeking is a major one like marriage, career, academic studies. When seeking to make such major decisions, it is important to fast and pray to God to give you the right direction so that you do not end up messing so many years of your life.  

We are sometimes afraid to ask God for direction because we deceitfully think that our ways are better than His ways. God’s way is the highway while our way is the lower way. Our ways compared to God’s ways are so low as the lowest part of the earth to heaven. Many people may not pray for a wife, because they think that God will give them an ugly one with good character and they want a beautiful one. Many people may not pray for direction in their career because they think God wants them to be a pastor and a pastor job does not look lucrative enough for them.  

Many people do not pray for their finances because they think, God does not want them to make much money. What God desires for you is higher than what you want for yourself. You may want to make one billion dollars, but God wants you to make one trillion dollars. You may want to marry a beautiful wife, and God ends up giving you a very beautiful wife beyond your imagination. When I started being serious with God, God gave me many ideas that are easy to carry out to make money. God is more knowledgeable, understanding and wise than you.  

God is not a substandard God as some pastors and teachers of the Word portray Him to be. God has failed to give some people the best that He has to offer because of their rebelliousness and disobedience. He does that out of love so that they do not mess themselves with the gifts that He has given them.  

God is more exposed than you. God is the Creator of all beautiful things, even the ones you have not yet seen. God is greater than you. God is by far richer than you. A God with all these qualities, how can He not want His children to have the best in everything? Therefore, ask God for direction in everything.  
 

Leading the People Back to Jerusalem 

Ezra 7:6 (KJV) – “This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the Lord God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the Lord his God upon him.” 

Ezra’s faith is shown by his willingness to lead a group of exiles back to Jerusalem. He trusted that God had called him to this task of re-establishing Jewish life and worship in the city. God had made him a scribe and through the power of God, the king granted him his request. Proverbs 21:1 (KJ21) – “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: He turneth it whithersoever He will.” We fear earthly rulers because we know what they can do. We are often terrified by them because of the power they display to us.  

The fear we have for human leaders tends to overlap the fear of God. Therefore, we are willing to obey a human ruler above God. For example, if a pastor or a church elder tells you to cook on Sabbath, you are willing to put his word above God’s Word.  

We ought to understand that God is the king of all kings. The hearts of all kings (and all human beings) are in His hands and He turns them like the rivers of water, whichever direction He chooses. When we disobey God’s commandments to please a human being, it often ends up in regrets.  Instead of trying to gain favor from human beings through disobeying God’s commandments, ask God to give you favor in the eyes of the person that He has sent you to. Through the power of God, Ezra found favor in the eyes of the king.  

Devotion to Studying and Teaching the Law of God 

Ezra 7:10 (KJV) – “For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgments.” 

Ezra had a deep faith in God’s Word and was committed to studying and teaching it. His mission was not only to rebuild Jerusalem physically but also to restore the spiritual health of the people by teaching them God’s laws. He believed that living according to God’s Word was essential for the nation’s survival. 

Is your heart ready to seek the law of the Lord, to do it and to teach it? Some people are not ready to know God’s law. Many more are not ready to obey it and so many more are not ready to teach it. Many Christian Pastors avoid teaching the Ten Commandments. I may not know the reason they are reluctant to do so but I guess it is because they do not want to touch on the Sabbath which they do not keep. God wants a heart that is fully surrendered to Him. He wants a heart that is willing to obey no matter the cost and a person that is willing to go the extra mile and to teach it.  

Knowing God’s law and doing it is for your own benefit. You will have a better life when you obey God as you will access all the promises/blessings in Deuteronomy 28:1-13. Delaying obedience to God is highly detrimental to one’s personal life.  

Delaying obedience is delaying happiness. Delaying obedience is delaying peace. Delaying obedience is delaying every good thing that God wants to give you. As a Christian who is after God’s heart, it is not enough to know what God’s Word says and to obey it, you must go an extra mile and teach it. Teaching God’s Word makes the truth sink deeper in you. It gives you more understanding. Teaching God’s Word makes you benefit others with the divine Word that has benefited you. Ezra had this commitment in his heart. You and I should have the same commitment too.  
 

Interceding for the People 

Ezra 9:3-4 (KJV) – “³ And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonied. ⁴ Then were assembled unto me every one that trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the transgression of those that had been carried away; and I sat astonied until the evening sacrifice.” 

Ezra mourned, fasted, and prayed over the Israelites’ disobedience, demonstrating his deep concern for their holiness and his conviction that repentance was essential for receiving God’s blessings (Ezra 9:3-5). The princes approached Ezra to report the abominations committed by the Israelites (Ezra 9:1). They explained that the Israelites had adopted the practices of neighboring and foreign peoples, including the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites (Ezra 9:1-2). 

The Israelites had intermarried with other people, making them adopt their culture, thus sinking deeper into sin. When Ezra heard this, he rented his clothes, plucked off his hair from his head and beard. He empathized with them and prayed for them. How much do you love other people that you are willing to tear off a garment that you have bought to pray for them? You do not have to literally tear off your clothes, you can do something that denotes going the extra mile to bring them closer to God.  

Leading the People in Repentance 

Ezra 9:6 (KJV) – “And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to Thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.” 

Ezra was ashamed to lift his face before God because of the transgressions that they had committed. Their iniquity kept on increasing. He offered prayers to God so many times as a result of the increase of sin in the land. Sometimes, one can feel that they are bothering God, always going to Him as they keep on repeating the same mistake. Do not get tired of going to God. Pray without giving up. Pray until you get what you are requesting for.  

Ezra 10:11 (KJV) – “Now therefore make confession unto the Lord God of your fathers, and do His pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives.” 

Ezra boldly confronted sin. He told people what to do to make their ways align with God. He told them to confess before God and to separate themselves from the people of the land and from the strange wives. This command might have seemed impossible for the people to do. This might be because some of the heathen people in that land were nice to them. Some of those people would give them things that they need that people from their own land were not able to. Some had formed great bonds of friendship. God called them to separate themselves from those people. How could they do that? It was impossible with their own power. If they relied on their own strength, they would fail but if they relied on the mighty and outstretched arm of God, God would have made it easy for them.  
 

Restoring the Covenant 

Ezra 10:1 (KJV) – “Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore.” 

Ezra’s faith in God’s covenant led him to encourage the people to renew their commitment to God’s laws. He understood that the exile was the result of Israel’s disobedience, and he took bold steps to ensure that the people would not fall into the same sins again. 

In Ezra 10:1, Ezra is praying and confessing on behalf of the people of Israel for their sin of intermarriage with foreign nations. This act violated God’s commandments, as these marriages often led the Israelites away from worshiping the true God and toward the worship of foreign gods (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). Ezra was deeply grieved because these marriages threatened the spiritual purity and covenant relationship between Israel and God. 

After Ezra had prayed, confessed, wept and cast himself down before the house of God, a great congregation assembled before him. The congregation was composed of men, women and children. They came to him with humble hearts which was denoted by their weeping. While Ezra prayed, he might have felt it was an impossibility for the people to change their ways and return to God, seeking him earnestly. The fact that we see the multitude coming to Ezra after Ezra had persisted in prayer, it is evident that God answers prayers and that He touches hearts.  

Shechaniah, the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elah, told Ezra that they had trespassed against God and had taken the strange wives of the people of the land (Ezra 10:2). He requested Ezra to collectively make a covenant with God to put away all the strange wives, and those that are born of them and follow God’s law. Making a covenant with God should be beyond mere words. It should be accompanied by actions. Ezra arose and made the chief priests, Levites, and all Israel swear to make this covenant (Ezra 10:5).  

Together, they made proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem unto all the children of captivity and decided to gather themselves together in Jerusalem (Ezra 10:7). Whoever was not going to assemble with them for those three days, all his substance was to be forfeited, and he should be separated from the congregation of those who had been carried away (Ezra 10:8). All men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together in Jerusalem within three days (Ezra 10:9).  

Ezra the priest stood up and told them of their transgressions (Ezra 10:10) and told them to make a confession before God and to do God’s pleasure (Ezra 10:11). Confessing before God is great, but it should be accompanied with doing His pleasure. Even if you are not able to fully do it, God should see in you a commitment to do it.  

The man by the pool of Bethesda who was sick for thirty-eight years had a commitment to get well that is why he was by the sides of that pool for all those years. When Jesus came to him, He asked him, “”Wilt thou be made whole? (John 5:6, KJV)” He did not know who Jesus was, but he took up his bed and walked as a response to the command.  He yielded to Christ’s command which brought him healing. When making a covenant with God, be willing to do as He has said because He has given you power to do so.  

Faith in God’s Favor 

Ezra 7:21 (KJV) – “And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily.” 

Ezra’s faith was tested when he faced opposition from surrounding nations. He believed that God’s favor was more important than any human approval or protection. Despite opposition and possible danger, he continued the work of spiritual reform and the teaching of the Law. 

In Ezra 7:21-26, King Artaxerxes granted Ezra significant favor by issuing a decree that provided him with support and resources for his mission to Jerusalem. Here is a summary of the favor that Artaxerxes gave to Ezra. Artaxerxes authorized the treasurers of the region “beyond the river” (west of the Euphrates) to give Ezra whatever he needed from the royal treasury, up to a specific limit. This included silver, wheat, wine, oil, and salt for the temple services Ezra (Ezra 7:21-22). Artaxerxes also decreed that priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple servants, and other workers in the house of God would be exempt from taxation. (Ezra 7:24). 

Ezra was given authority to appoint magistrates and judges to administer justice and teach God’s law to those who did not know it in the region beyond the river (Ezra 7:25). Ezra was also given the authority to enforce God’s law, including the power to impose penalties, such as death, banishment, confiscation of goods, or imprisonment, on those who disobeyed the law of God or the king (Ezra 7:26). Artaxerxes’ decree showed extraordinary favor toward Ezra and his mission to restore proper worship and justice in Jerusalem, granting him both resources and authority to carry out his work. 

Ezra and the people of Israel got favor in the eyes of Artaxerxes because of God’s divine intervention. Throughout the book, Ezra repeatedly acknowledges that the good hand of God was upon him, guiding events in his favor. Ezra was a priest and a skilled scribe well-versed in the Law of Moses. His knowledge, wisdom, and dedication to God’s law likely impressed King Artaxerxes. Ezra was not only seen as a religious leader but also as a competent and trustworthy figure to help bring order and stability to the Jewish community in Jerusalem. 

Artaxerxes might have seen rebuilding the temple and reestablishing the religious order in Jerusalem as beneficial for the Persian Empire. Supporting the Jewish community and their religious practices could help maintain peace and loyalty in the region. By appointing a loyal and respected Jewish leader like Ezra, the king could ensure that Persian rule was upheld while allowing the Jewish people to govern themselves under their own laws. 

Artaxerxes’ predecessors, such as Cyrus the Great and Darius I, had also supported the Jewish people. Cyrus had allowed the first wave of exiles to return and begin rebuilding the temple (Ezra 1:1-4), and Darius had reaffirmed this decree (Ezra 6:1-12). Artaxerxes was continuing in this tradition of favoring the Jewish people and supporting their religious practices. All in all, Artaxerxes’ favor toward Ezra was primarily the result of God’s providential hand moving the heart of the king, as Ezra acknowledges.  

Faithful Preparation and Trust in God’s Protection  

Ezra 8:25 (KJV) – “And weighed unto them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, even the offering of the house of our God, which the king, and his counsellors, and his lords, and all Israel there present, had offered.” 

Ezra’s faith in God’s guidance was evident in how he carefully organized the return of the exiles, ensuring that the temple treasures were safely transported. He trusted God’s provision for this delicate journey and believed in fulfilling God’s purposes. 

In Ezra Chapter 8, Ezra carefully organized the people according to their families and kept a keen record. This chapter details how Ezra gathered the people, ensured they were spiritually prepared for the journey, and trusted God for protection rather than relying on military assistance. Ezra and the returning exiles placed their faith in God through fasting, prayer, and careful stewardship of the temple offerings, demonstrating their reliance on divine guidance and protection. 

Ezra 8 begins by listing the names and family heads of those who returned with Ezra from Babylon to Jerusalem. It was a significant number of priests, Levites, and common people, with a total of about 1,500 men, along with women and children.  

As Ezra prepared to lead the group back, he realized there were no Levites among the people. Levites were essential for temple service, so Ezra sent for men of understanding who could lead the spiritual activities of the group. They successfully recruited Levites and temple servants to accompany them. This shows that Ezra had respect for the church and for spiritual matters. It is not strange to see Christians when traveling having the Bible as the last thing in their minds to pack in their bags.  

People focus on the clothes that they are going to wear as the first thing to pack in their travel bags. After clothes, what is prioritized next is food. Some do not consider carrying Bibles and spiritual books because they do not understand their value. Ezra understood the value of spiritual men and he had to include them in accompanying the group. It is important to have in your team or on the board of directors of your company, at least one spiritual mentor.  

Ezra entrusted the gold, silver, and temple vessels that were being returned to Jerusalem to twelve leading priests. He instructed them to guard the offerings carefully, knowing these items were dedicated to the Lord. This demonstrated both Ezra’s faith in God’s provision and his commitment to integrity (Ezra 8:24-30). After preparing and praying for protection, Ezra and the group departed for Jerusalem. The journey was successful, and they arrived safely without incident because the hand of God was upon them, protecting them from enemies and ambushes along the way (Ezra 8:31-32). 

Upon arrival in Jerusalem, the exiles delivered the offerings to the temple and presented them to the priests and Levites. They offered burnt offerings to God, giving thanks for His protection and favor during their journey (Ezra 8:33-35). Ezra also delivered the king’s decrees to the local Persian officials, ensuring that they understood the king’s support for the Jewish exiles and the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem (Ezra 8:36). 

Ezra’s actions of faith were driven by his devotion to God’s Word, his commitment to prayer, and his leadership in spiritual reform. Ezra’s role in biblical history is that of a spiritual leader and reformer. His dedication to the Law of God and his leadership in the restoration of proper worship after the exile showed his unwavering faith in God. He trusted in God’s power to protect and guide him, boldly leading the people in repentance and restoration of proper worship.  

The Book of Ezra documents not only the rebuilding of the temple but also the revival of Israel’s spiritual identity, demonstrating that physical restoration must be accompanied by a renewed commitment to God’s Word.  Ezra’s life is an example of how faith in God leads to action, even in the face of opposition and difficulty. By faith, Ezra obtained a good report.  

King Solomon 

The name Solomon (Hebrew: שְׁלֹמֹה, Shlomoh) is derived from the Hebrew root “shalom”, meaning “peace” or “peaceful.” Solomon’s reign was largely characterized by peace and prosperity, in contrast to the wars his father David had fought. The meaning of his name reflects the nature of his kingdom, which was known for its stability and harmony. 

Solomon’s father was King David, the second king of Israel and a man described as being after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). David was a warrior monarch who unified Israel and conquered its enemies. Solomon’s mother was Bathsheba, the former spouse of Uriah, whom David married after a controversial and sinful affair (2 Samuel 11). After their first child died, Solomon was born, and the prophet Nathan indicated that God had chosen him to succeed David as king (2 Samuel 12:24-25). 

Solomon became king around 970 B.C. after his father David’s death. His ascension to the throne wasn’t without conflict; one of David’s older sons, Adonijah, attempted to usurp the throne (1 Kings 1:5-10). However, David, with the help of the prophet Nathan and Bathsheba, ensured that Solomon was anointed and installed as king. Early in his reign, Solomon consolidated his power by dealing decisively with potential threats to his rule, including Adonijah and others (1 Kings 2). 

Solomon was likely around 20 years old when he began to reign as king of Israel. Although the Bible does not specify his exact age when he became king, historical estimates and traditional interpretations suggest that he was in his early twenties. Solomon reigned for 40 years over Israel (1 Kings 11:42). After his death, the kingdom of Israel was divided, with his son Rehoboam ruling Judah (the southern kingdom) and Jeroboam leading the northern tribes in rebellion, forming the northern kingdom of Israel (1 Kings 12:16-20). 

Solomon built the temple in Jerusalem. He constructed the magnificent Jerusalem temple using the materials that his father had previously offered. He constructed it as a place of worship for the Israelites and as a symbol of God’s presence among them (1 Kings 6-8) 

Solomon requested wisdom from God. He humbly asked God for wisdom to govern the people of Israel and God granted him his request. Not only did God give him wisdom, but He also gave him riches that he had not requested and promised to give him long life if he obeyed His commandments (1 Kings 3:5-14, 2 Chronicles 1:7-12). 

Solomon dispensed wise judgments. Through the wisdom that God gave him, he was able to make fair and just decisions. For example, the famous judgment between two women claiming to be the mother of the same child (1 Kings 3:16-28). God’s divine wisdom makes you do things that human beings find difficult and impossible to do.  

Solomon authored the books of Proverbs (most of it) and Ecclesiastes, providing invaluable wisdom and insights on various aspects of life. Solomon also composed the poetic book known as the Song of Solomon. Solomon engaged in peaceful alliances and trade. He established diplomatic relationships and engaged in prosperous trade with neighboring nations, contributing to the economic growth and stability of Israel. One example is the Queen of Sheba. The Queen of Sheba visited Solomon because she had heard of his wisdom. She was amazed by his wealth, wisdom, and the splendor of his kingdom (1 Kings 10:1-13).  

Solomon undertook extensive construction projects, including the fortification of Jerusalem and the establishment of several cities, strengthening the kingdom (1 Kings 9:15-19). Solomon upheld the worship of God as established by his father, David, and ensured the proper functioning of the priesthood and the offerings at the Temple (1 Kings 9:25). Solomon left a legacy of wisdom. His wisdom and teachings have inspired generations, and his reputation as a wise person has endured for generations (1 Kings 4:29-34).  

Hezekiah 

The name Hezekiah (Hebrew: חִזְקִיָּה‎ or חִזְקִיָּהוּ‎, Chizqiyah or Chizqiyahu) means “The Lord is my strength” or “God strengthens.” This name reflects Hezekiah’s reliance on God during his reign as king of Judah and his faith in God’s power and deliverance. 

Hezekiah was one of the most righteous and reformative kings of Judah, known for his faith in God and efforts to bring spiritual revival to his kingdom. He ruled Judah from approximately 715 to 686 B.C. during a turbulent time in Israel’s history, particularly facing threats from the powerful Assyrian Empire. 

Hezekiah died at the age of 54. He began ruling at the age of 25 and reigned for 29 years (2 Kings 18:2). Toward the end of his reign, he became seriously ill, and God extended his life by 15 years after he prayed (2 Kings 20:6), meaning he was around 39 years old at the time of his illness and lived until the age of 54. His reign is described primarily in 2 Kings 18–20, 2 Chronicles 29–32, and Isaiah 36–39. 

King Hezekiah removed idolatry and restored worship of the true God. He initiated religious reforms by removing idols and restoring the proper worship of God in the temple (2 Chronicles 31:1). He repaired and purified the temple, restoring it to its rightful place as a center of worship and sacrifice (2 Chronicles 29:3-19). 

Hezekiah reinstituted the celebration of the Passover, calling all Israel and Judah to observe the important religious feast (2 Chronicles 30:1-26). He trusted in God during the Assyrian invasion. When the Assyrian king, Sennacherib, threatened to invade Jerusalem, Hezekiah turned to God in prayer and trusted in His deliverance (2 Kings 19:14-19, 2 Chronicles 32:20-22).  

During the reign of King Hezekiah, God sent an angel who destroyed the Assyrian army outside the walls of Jerusalem, sparing the city and its inhabitants (2 Kings 19:35). Hezekiah ordered the construction of a tunnel, known as Hezekiah’s Tunnel or the Siloam Tunnel, to bring water from the Gihon Spring into the city of Jerusalem during the Assyrian siege (2 Kings 20:20). When Hezekiah was terminally ill, he prayed to God, and God granted him healing and extended his life by fifteen years (2 Kings 20:1-7).  

He built storage cities and organized military preparations: Hezekiah prepared for potential military threats by constructing storage cities and organizing the army, ensuring the security and readiness of the kingdom (2 Chronicles 32:27-30). Hezekiah invited all the people of Judah to come and worship at the temple, encouraging a renewed commitment to God (2 Chronicles 29:5-11). King Hezekiah’s righteousness and prosperous reign attracted tribute and admiration from neighboring nations (2 Chronicles 32:23). By faith, Hezekiah obtained a good report.  

King Josiah 

“In former years the king had not been indifferent to the prevailing idolatry. “In the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young,” he had consecrated himself fully to the service of God. Four years later, at the age of twenty, he had made an earnest effort to remove temptation from his subjects by purging “Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images.” “They brake down the altars of Baalim in his presence; and the images, that were on high above them, he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images, he brake in pieces, and made dust of them, and strowed it upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto them. And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem.” 2 Chronicles 34:3-5.” – Prophets and Kings, Page 396.3, Ellen G. White.  

“Not content with doing thorough work in the land of Judah, the youthful ruler had extended his efforts to the portions of Palestine formerly occupied by the ten tribes of Israel, only a feeble remnant of which now remained. “So did he,” the record reads, “in the cities of Manasseh, and Ephraim, and Simeon, even unto Naphtali.” Not until he had traversed the length and breadth of this region of ruined homes, and “had broken down the altars and the groves, and had beaten the graven images into powder, and cut down all the idols throughout all the land of Israel,” did he return to Jerusalem. Verses 6, 7.” – Prophets and Kings, Page 397.1, Ellen G. White.  

“Thus Josiah, from his earliest manhood, had endeavored to take advantage of his position as king to exalt the principles of God’s holy law. And now, while Shaphan the scribe was reading to him out of the book of the law, the king discerned in this volume a treasure of knowledge, a powerful ally, in the work of reform he so much desired to see wrought in the land. He resolved to walk in the light of its counsels, and also to do all in his power to acquaint his people with its teachings and to lead them, if possible, to cultivate reverence and love for the law of heaven.” – Patriarchs and Prophets, Page 198.1, Ellen G. White.  

The name Josiah (Hebrew: יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ, Yoshiyahu) means “The Lord heals” or “The Lord supports”. This name reflects God’s role in Josiah’s life, particularly in the spiritual revival and healing of Judah’s relationship with God during his reign. 

Josiah was one of the most righteous kings of Judah, renowned for his religious reforms and efforts to return the people to the worship of the One true God. He was a descendant of King David, specifically from the line of kings in the southern kingdom of Judah. 

Josiah’s father was Amon, a wicked king who reigned for only two years before being assassinated by his own officials (2 Kings 21:23-24). His mother was Jedidah (2 Kings 22:1). Josiah’s grandfather was Manasseh, one of the most evil kings of Judah, who led the nation into deep idolatry. However, toward the end of his life, Manasseh repented (2 Chronicles 33:12-13).  

Despite coming from a heritage of an evil father and grandfather, Josiah did not follow after their wicked ways. Instead, he followed the ways of the Lord. Some people proudly emulate the wicked things people in their lineage used to do. Instead of learning and running from their mistakes, they run into the same mistakes.  

Josiah became king at just eight years old after the assassination of his father, Amon, in around 640 B.C. (2 Kings 22:1). He reigned for 31 years over Judah until his death. (2 Kings 22:1). Despite his young age, Josiah proved to be a king who was deeply committed to following the ways of God.  

When Josiah was about 16 years old, he began to seek the God of his ancestor David (2 Chronicles 34:3). At the age of 20, he initiated a massive religious reform by removing the high places, idols, Asherah poles, and altars to foreign gods that had been established during the reigns of his predecessors (2 Chronicles 34:3-7). 

One of his major achievements was the repair and restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem. While this work was being carried out, the Book of the Law (likely the Book of Deuteronomy) was discovered in the Temple by the high priest Hilkiah (2 Kings 22:8). This discovery deeply affected Josiah, and after hearing the words of the law, he tore his clothes in mourning, realizing how far Judah had strayed from God’s commands (2 Kings 22:11). 

Josiah responded by calling for a renewed commitment to following God. He gathered the people together and read the Book of the Law publicly. The king and the people made a covenant to obey the Lord and follow His commands (2 Kings 23:1-3). 

King Josiah destroyed the idols and altars throughout Judah and even extended his reforms into the former northern kingdom of Israel (2 Kings 23:4-20). He reinstated the celebration of Passover in a grand manner, a festival that had not been observed with such dedication since the days of the judges (2 Kings 23:21-23). His reforms were not just superficial; Josiah sought to restore the hearts of the people to genuine worship of the Lord. 

Around 609 B.C., Josiah met his end in battle at Megiddo. He attempted to stop the Egyptian Pharaoh Necho II from passing through Judah to aid the Assyrians against the Babylonians. Despite warnings, Josiah engaged Necho’s forces in battle and was mortally wounded (2 Kings 23:29-30; 2 Chronicles 35:20-24). He was brought back to Jerusalem, where he died at the age of 39. He died at a relatively young age, but he obtained a good report through the faith he showed when he made righteous reforms when he was a king.  

King Jehoshaphat 

The name Jehoshaphat (Hebrew: יְהוֹשָׁפָט, Yehoshafat) means “The Lord judges” or “Yahweh has judged”. The name reflects a trust in God’s righteous judgment and justice. 

Jehoshaphat was the fourth king of Judah, known for his religious reforms, military successes, and alliances. He ruled Judah during a time of relative peace and prosperity, yet also faced significant challenges due to his political alliances.  

Jehoshaphat’s father was King Asa, one of Judah’s righteous kings who had implemented significant religious reforms (1 Kings 15:11). Asa’s example of following the Lord likely influenced Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat’s mother was Azubah, the daughter of Shilhi (1 Kings 22:42). Jehoshaphat’s son and successor was Jehoram, who later married the daughter of the wicked King Ahab of Israel, leading to complications for Judah (2 Kings 8:16-18). 

Jehoshaphat became king of Judah at the age of 35 and reigned for 25 years, meaning he reigned until he was sixty years old (1 Kings 22:42). He is estimated to have reigned from 872 B.C. to 848 B.C.  He followed in the ways of his father Asa, seeking to honor God, and he is generally remembered as a righteous king. 

Religious Reforms 

Early in his reign, Jehoshaphat sought to strengthen the spiritual life of Judah by removing the high places and Asherah poles, which were used for idol worship (2 Chronicles 17:6). He worked diligently to lead the people back to the worship of the true God.  

One of his notable acts was sending officials, Levites, and priests throughout Judah to teach the Book of the Law to the people (2 Chronicles 17:7-9). This move emphasized his commitment to ensuring that the people of Judah were familiar with God’s laws and followed them. If you do not have the capacity to preach the gospel but could support one who can, do not hesitate to do so. Support for God’s ministry can come in various ways. The most common ones are through money and offering one’s services.  

Another way you can support the Lord’s ministry is through encouraging the people who are in active service to God. When you see someone working for God, say a kind word to them, let them know that you acknowledge their sacrifice. Give opportunities to gospel ministers, missionaries and other people with various talents to serve God, just like Jehoshaphat did. He sent the Levites and others to teach people God’s Word.  

Military and Political Successes 

Jehoshaphat was also a skilled military leader. He strengthened Judah by fortifying cities and placing garrisons in various regions (2 Chronicles 17:2). His military prowess brought peace to Judah, as surrounding nations feared his power and paid tribute (2 Chronicles 17:10-11). Jehoshaphat’s army grew significantly during his reign, reaching impressive numbers (2 Chronicles 17:14-19), reflecting the strength and security of Judah under his leadership. 

Alliance with Ahab of Israel 

Jehoshaphat made a political alliance with King Ahab of Israel by marrying his son Jehoram to Ahab’s daughter Athaliah (2 Kings 8:18). This alliance was probably a strategic move, but it had negative spiritual implications because Ahab and his family were deeply involved in the worship of Baal. 

Despite Ahab’s wickedness, Jehoshaphat joined him in battle against Ramoth Gilead, even though the prophet Micaiah had warned that the Lord did not approve of the venture (1 Kings 22:1-28). Ahab was killed in this battle. Jehoshaphat was almost killed but he survived by shouting out in fear in the heat of the conflict. The people thought that it was Ahab, the king of Israel. When they saw it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him (1 Kings 22:29-33).  

2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV) – “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” 

Amos 3:3 (KJV) – “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” 

It is like dancing on a one-thousand-foot cliff that has thin ice with spiked heels or playing catch with a hand grenade when you deliberately form an alliance with an unbeliever. Jehoshaphat was almost killed because of forming an alliance with Ahab. There are innocent people in prison today and some have been killed because of being friends with criminals, while their criminal friends are walking scot-free. 

You may have a friend who is a criminal who may ask you to accompany him to go somewhere. While you are walking together, something unexpected happens, for instance, policemen catch you by surprise. Since he is an experienced criminal, he is always aware of his environment, and he knows that something like that may happen at any time. His experience has even made him develop sharp instincts that can make him sense incoming danger. Therefore, he escapes leaving you with a case to answer.  

I bet many who are reading this may not have friends who are criminals, but they are forming alliances with unbelieving spouses and business partners. Trying their best to mix the unmixable water with oil or light with darkness. God, the Creator, created certain things that are easy to mix, and He also created certain things that are impossible to mix.  

Day and night can never mix. It will be a waste of time to try to mix them. God cannot be at the center of such alliances since one of you does not believe in Him. Therefore, He will not take part in building whatever you are building and if He does not take part in it, all that you are doing, you will be doing it in vain. This does not mean we neglect and hate unbelievers. We should reach out to them but not form alliances with them because it will be fighting against oneself.  

Judicial Reforms and Leadership 

Jehoshaphat focused on strengthening the judicial system in Judah. He appointed judges in the land and instructed them to judge according to God’s law, not for personal gain or partiality (2 Chronicles 19:5-7). Such a king in this modern age would be a great blessing to whatever kingdom he would be leading. We live in a time whereby ordained people of God practice no justice. They show partiality and they conduct their leadership for personal gain.  

A pastor may fail to advise a church member concerning a sin he has committed because the church member has gifted him a car or a house. Presidents, particularly in third world countries are sometimes under the subjection of evil people who give them money in exchange for subverting the law of the Lord. Our churches have been corrupted.  

The person who commands the most respect and whose word is final is the one who has the most money. Sometimes we allow our churches to be controlled by outside forces. For example, you may hear a church leader forbidding people to preach or teach about the Sabbath because there are people in the congregation who are not Sabbath keepers. The truth should be taught in love, but the truth must be taught. Truth is not subject to external forces or internal, it stands firm on its own because God is truth.  

Some of these people give politicians money to campaign and together they sign a deal. Once they get the political seat, they are left with no choice but to impose wicked schemes on the people of that nation. We need leaders who are strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, who cannot be cheaply bought with material things. We need leaders who will uphold God’s law, no matter the cost. 

Jehoshaphat established a court system in Jerusalem to deal with difficult cases and placed Levites, priests, and family heads in positions of authority (2 Chronicles 19:8-11). His emphasis on justice and righteousness in governance was a hallmark of his reign. 

Jehoshaphat’s Great Act of Faith 

One of Jehoshaphat’s most famous acts of faith occurred when the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites formed a massive alliance and came against Judah (2 Chronicles 20:1-2). Three armies against one. Faced with overwhelming odds, Jehoshaphat called the people of Judah to fast and seek the Lord (2 Chronicles 20:3). 

In a public prayer, Jehoshaphat acknowledged God’s power and sovereignty, placing his full trust in Him. His famous prayer includes the words, “We have no might against this great company… neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon Thee” (2 Chronicles 20:12, KJV). In response, the Spirit of the Lord came upon a Levite named Jahaziel, who assured them that the battle belonged to God and that they wouldn’t need to fight (2 Chronicles 20:15-17). Jehoshaphat prayed to God and God responded through someone in the congregation.  

God does not always answer your prayers directly to you. He will often answer your prayers through someone else. You need to be obedient and submissive to God’s Word to hear the answers to your prayers.  

God may answer your prayers through someone whom you really like. He may answer your prayers through someone who really likes you. He may answer your prayers through someone you hate and despise. In other words, He may answer your prayers through anybody because He is God, He loves everybody, and He wants you to love everybody as well.  

Jehoshaphat led the people in worship and praise, and when they went to the battlefield the next day, they found that the enemy armies had turned on each other, destroying themselves without Judah lifting a sword (2 Chronicles 20:20-24). This victory demonstrated Jehoshaphat’s trust in God and led to great praise and thanksgiving to God throughout Judah.  

Jehoshaphat did many acts of faith. He died at the age of 60, having reigned for 25 years (2 Chronicles 20:31). He was buried with honor in the City of David, and his son Jehoram succeeded him (2 Chronicles 21:1). 

Jehoshaphat, whose name means “The Lord judges”, was a righteous king of Judah who is remembered for his religious reforms, judicial improvements, and acts of faith. His reign was marked by peace, prosperity, and a notable reliance on God, particularly during the threat of invasion. However, his political alliances with Israel’s wicked kings led to some spiritual and military challenges. Jehoshaphat reigned for 25 years and died at the age of 60, leaving a legacy of a king who sought to follow God despite occasional missteps. By faith, Jehoshaphat obtained a good report. 

King Asa 

Asa (אָסָא) in Hebrew is believed to mean “healer” or “physician.” King Asa ruled the Kingdom of Judah. His reign began around 911 BC and lasted until 870 BC. He became king after his father, Abijah, and was the third king of Judah. King Asa is thought to have begun ruling at about 18 or 20 years old, though the Bible does not specify his exact age at the start of his reign. This estimation comes from the typical age of kings at the time.  King Asa reigned for 41 years, a significant period of stability for the kingdom during which he was known for his religious reforms and military success. 

King Asa was the third king of Judah, following the reigns of his father Abijah and grandfather Rehoboam, and he is notable for his reforms to bring Judah back to the worship of God. Asa ruled during a time when both Judah and Israel were experiencing internal and external conflicts. His reign is characterized by efforts to restore the true worship of God and secure the kingdom of Judah from both spiritual decay and external threats. 

Asa’s father was Abijah (Abijam), who ruled for three years and continued some of the sinful practices of Rehoboam. Despite this, Abijah’s reign was marked by some victories, particularly against Jeroboam of Israel (1 Kings 15:3-8). Asa’s grandfather was Rehoboam, the first king of Judah after the kingdom was split into two (Israel and Judah) following the reign of Solomon (1 Kings 14:21-31). 

Asa came to power at a time when Judah was recovering from the spiritual decline caused by idol worship under previous kings. Asa’s reign is recorded in both 1 Kings 15:9-24 and 2 Chronicles 14-16. Asa’s reign is distinguished by his efforts to lead Judah back to the worship of the One true God, in contrast to his father and grandfather, who allowed idolatry to flourish in Judah.  

Religious Reforms 

King Asa can be likened to King Josiah who did not follow after the ways of his father and grandfather. The Bible is rich in examples of people who followed the ways of God despite coming from family backgrounds of people who disobeyed God. We have similar examples in this modern times. There are many people who are responsible fathers now who were brought up by irresponsible fathers.  

Asa’s first major acts as king were focused on religious reforms. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as David had done (1 Kings 15:11). He worked to remove idol worship from Judah by: Removing the male shrine prostitutes and destroying the idols that had been set up by his predecessors (1 Kings 15:12). He deposed his grandmother, Maacah, from her position as queen mother because she had made an Asherah pole, a symbol of idol worship (1 Kings 15:13).  

You should place God’s law above family, no matter how much you love your family. Subverting God’s will to make your family happy may appear as if you love them but you do not really love them. God is love (1 John 4:8), and love comes from God. Therefore, God defines what love is (1 Corinthians 1:1-13, John 14:15). When you place obedience to God above those whom you love the most, you will benefit them as you will shine a light and add salt to their lives.  

A Perfect Heart 

On the other hand, when you place them above God’s Word, you will be destroying them unknowingly. Asa loved his grandmother Maacah, but he had to remove her from the position of queen mother because she was using that position to lead people to idolatry. She was not only sinning, but she was also leading more people to sin, and Asa had to bring that to an end.  

Asa’s heart was described as “perfect with the Lord all his days” (1 Kings 15:14), which indicates his sincerity in seeking to restore true worship of God, although the high places were not entirely removed. He might not have known his heart was perfect, but God described his heart as perfect. God covers you with His righteousness. He fills the gaps in your life that you can never fill.  

Faith builds impenetrable walls 

During his reign, Asa faced military threats, particularly from Zerah the Ethiopian, who invaded Judah with a vast army. Asa demonstrated his faith in God by praying for deliverance, saying, “Lord, it is nothing with Thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, O Lord our God; for we rest on Thee, and in Thy name we go against this multitude.” (2 Chronicles 14:11, KJV). 

God answered Asa’s prayer, and the Ethiopians were defeated (2 Chronicles 14:12-15). This victory was significant and underscored Asa’s faith in God’s power to protect Judah. Faith builds impenetrable spiritual walls that are stronger than the strongest physical walls that you know. Job had that wall (hedge) around him. You and I can have the same if we surrender fully to His control.  

Further Religious Reforms and Covenant Renewal 

2 Chronicles 15:1-2 (KJ21) – “¹ And the Spirit of God came upon Azariah the son of Oded. ² And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, “Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: The Lord is with you while ye be with Him; and if ye seek Him, He will be found by you; but if ye forsake Him, He will forsake you.” 

After the victory over the Ethiopians, Asa was encouraged by Azariah, who told him that the Lord would be with him if he continued to seek Him (2 Chronicles 15:1-2). He told Asa, together with the entire tribes of Judah and Benjamin that God will continue being with them while they continue being with Him. God is always at the door of your heart knocking (Revelation 3:20), but He cannot force Himself inside if you do not allow Him.  

God wants to be in synchronization with you, which is why He bids you to abide in Him as He abides in you (John 15:4). If you abide in Him and He abides by you, you will bear so much fruit (John 15:5) because it will be a blessed partnership. God wanted Asa, and the rest of the people to continue bearing fruits. He gave them this message through Azariah. He gave them this message after they had gained victory over the Ethiopians.  

When God causes our efforts to bear fruit, we tend to forget Him and leave Him. Due to the fullness of bread (He has given us), we feel that what we have is sufficient and we do not need anything more. Therefore, we do not need Him. What usually happens is our supply gets cut short because we have separated ourselves from the Eternal Supplier. What we thought was a lot, like the prodigal son, we come to realize it was not as much as we thought. God did not want King Asa to go through all that. Therefore, He bid him to keep on abiding by Him.  

Asa gathered the people of Judah and renewed their covenant with the Lord, promising to seek Him with all their hearts. They also celebrated a large sacrifice to God, and the people rejoiced (2 Chronicles 15:10-15). Asa removed the idols from all the lands of Judah, Benjamin, and the cities he had captured in the hill country of Ephraim. He also repaired the altar of the Lord in the Temple (2 Chronicles 15:8). 

Alliance with Aram (Syria) and Later Decline in Faith 

In Asa’s later years, he faced a threat from Baasha, the king of Israel, who fortified Ramah to block trade and movement into Judah. Instead of relying on God as he had done in earlier battles, Asa made an alliance with Ben-Hadad, the king of Aram (Syria). He bribed Ben-Hadad with treasures from the Temple and royal palace to break his treaty with Baasha and attack Israel (2 Chronicles 16:1-6). We often forget that it is the Lord who has given us the success that we possess.  

Many people, before becoming successful, used to pray persistently with faith and would show stupendous commitment to Godly matters. God saw their diligence in seeking Him and He chose to bless them. They were grateful to God for giving them those blessings. The blessings they had gained became too much to a point that they forgot that it was God who gave them those blessings. Therefore, they started depending on their own selves.  

Asa forgot that it was God who gave him previous victories. This made him start leaning on his own understanding to attain future victories. The first word in the Sabbath commandment is, “Remember” (Exodus 20:8). The Sabbath commandment points us to depend on God since it mentions God as the Creator. We need to remember the Sabbath all the time and since God is Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8), we should remember God all the time. It is when we forget God that we begin declining in life because our own ways are downward ways.   

While this strategy that Asa employed seemed to succeed, as it was able to remove Baasha’s threat, Asa was rebuked by the prophet Hanani for relying on human alliances instead of trusting in the Lord (2 Chronicles 16:7-9). I have used the phrase “seemed to succeed” because success is not acquiring the results that you desire, it is acquiring the results that God desires. God would have given him greater success had he relied on Him. Asa’s failure to rely on God in his later years was a contrast to his earlier acts of faith. 

Illness and Death 

In the final years of his reign, Asa developed a severe foot disease. However, instead of seeking God for healing, he relied solely on physicians (2 Chronicles 16:12). This act is seen as a further sign of his spiritual decline in his later years. 

Asa died after 41 years of reign, and he was buried with honor in the City of David, his forefathers’ burial place (2 Chronicles 16:13-14). Despite his later shortcomings, Asa is remembered for his significant reforms and the long period of peace and prosperity that Judah enjoyed during his reign. 

King Asa, whose name means “physician” or “healer”, was a righteous king of Judah who initiated significant religious reforms to bring the people back to the worship of God. He removed idols, deposed his grandmother for idolatry, and led the nation in renewing their covenant with the Lord.  

Asa demonstrated strong faith in God during military crises, especially against Zerah the Ethiopian. However, in his later years, he relied on political alliances and physicians rather than trusting God, marking a spiritual decline. Asa reigned for 41 years, and his legacy is remembered as one of revival and reform, though with a mixed ending to his story. King Asa obtained a good report when he showed faith in God but when he showed doubt, he obtained a bad reputation. 

King Jehu 

The name Jehu (Hebrew: יֵהוּא, Yehu) means “Yahweh is He” or “The Lord is He”, signifying a strong connection to God. The name reflects Jehu’s role as an instrument of God’s judgment during his reign as king. 

Jehu was the tenth king of Israel and reigned during a tumultuous period in Israel’s history. He is most famous for his zealous execution of God’s judgment against the house of Ahab, purging Israel of Baal worship and removing the wicked royal lineage that had led the nation into idolatry. His reign was characterized by both military conquest and significant religious reforms, though it was also marked by brutality and a failure to fully follow God’s commands. 

Jehu was the son of Jehoshaphat (not the king of Judah) and a commander in the army of Israel under King Joram (Jehoram), the son of Ahab. His story is prominently recorded in 2 Kings 9-10. Jehu’s rise to power began when Elisha, the prophet, sent one of his young disciples to anoint Jehu as king of Israel. God instructed that Jehu be anointed to execute judgment on the house of Ahab and rid Israel of its idolatry (2 Kings 9:1-6). 

The anointing was a fulfillment of God’s earlier prophecy through Elijah regarding the downfall of Ahab’s dynasty because of their evil practices, particularly the idolatry introduced by Ahab’s wife, Jezebel (1 Kings 21:21-24). 

Jehu’s Execution of Judgment 

Jehu’s primary task as king was to execute God’s judgment on the house of Ahab, fulfilling the prophecy against Ahab’s lineage. His actions were swift and decisive. 

Killing King Joram of Israel: After being anointed, Jehu immediately set out to confront King Joram (Jehoram), the son of Ahab, who was recovering from wounds at Jezreel. Jehu shot Joram with an arrow, killing him (2 Kings 9:24). 

Killing King Ahaziah of Judah: King Ahaziah, the king of Judah, who was visiting Joram, also became a target of Jehu’s purge. Jehu had him killed as well (2 Kings 9:27). 

Killing Jezebel: One of Jehu’s most famous actions was his execution of Queen Jezebel. When Jehu arrived at Jezreel, Jezebel tried to charm him, but he ordered her servants to throw her down from a window. She was killed, and her body was devoured by dogs, fulfilling Elijah’s prophecy (2 Kings 9:30-37). 

Killing the Seventy Sons of Ahab: Jehu continued his purge by orchestrating the execution of seventy sons of Ahab. He sent letters to the leaders of Samaria, demanding the heads of Ahab’s sons. They complied, and Jehu displayed the heads publicly (2 Kings 10:1-11). 

Killing the Remaining Relatives of Ahab: Jehu also killed relatives of Ahab and associates connected to the royal family, further eradicating Ahab’s lineage (2 Kings 10:12-17). 

Jehu’s Religious Reforms 

After executing judgment on the house of Ahab, Jehu turned his attention to Baal worship. Baal worship had been introduced to Israel through Ahab and Jezebel, and Jehu sought to eliminate it from the land. 

Killing the Prophets and Worshipers of Baal: Jehu tricked the worshipers of Baal by pretending to hold a great assembly in honor of Baal. Once all the Baal worshipers gathered in the temple, Jehu had them slaughtered, effectively ending the state-sponsored worship of Baal in Israel (2 Kings 10:18-28). 

Destroying the Baal Temple: Jehu also destroyed the Baal temple and converted it into a public latrine, symbolically desecrating the place where Baal had been worshiped (2 Kings 10:27-28). 

Jehu’s Incomplete Faithfulness 

While Jehu zealously executed God’s judgment and purged Israel of Baal worship, he did not completely turn the nation back to God. He allowed the worship of the golden calves in Bethel and Dan, which had been introduced by Jeroboam (2 Kings 10:29). 

Despite his incomplete faithfulness, the Lord commended Jehu for carrying out His judgment and promised that his descendants would sit on the throne of Israel for four generations (2 Kings 10:30). God looks at your strengths more than your weaknesses.  

As much as God hates sin, He looks at the good things that you have done more than the evil that you have done. When you repent and change your ways, He will forget all the sins that you had committed. That does not mean you will not face the consequences of your sins. You will still face them, but God will call you His child and your name will be written in the book of life.  

However, because Jehu did not fully walk in the ways of the Lord, Israel experienced difficulties during his reign, including the loss of territory to Hazael, the king of Aram (Syria) (2 Kings 10:31-33). 

Jehu’s Death and Legacy 

Jehu reigned as king of Israel for 28 years (2 Kings 10:36). His reign brought significant changes to the spiritual direction of Israel, particularly in terms of eradicating Baal worship. 

Despite his zealous actions for the Lord, Jehu’s legacy is mixed. While he fulfilled God’s command to destroy Ahab’s house, his failure to remove the golden calves meant that idolatry continued to persist in Israel, preventing the nation from fully returning to God. 

Jehu was succeeded by his son Jehoahaz, the first of his descendants to rule after him, in accordance with God’s promise. By faith, King Jehu obtained a good reputation. He would have obtained a better reputation if he had acted with more faith.  

King Joash 

The name Joash (Hebrew: יוֹאָשׁ, Yo’ash) means “Yahweh has given” or “God supports”. This name reflects the belief that his reign and life were under God’s provision and support. 

Joash (also spelled Jehoash) was the eighth king of Judah and ascended to the throne under remarkable circumstances. His reign is notable for his early efforts to restore the worship of God in Judah and repair the temple. He is also remembered for the dramatic events surrounding his rise to power, as well as the tragic decline of his reign due to his turning away from God later in life. 

2 Kings 11:1-3 (KJ21) – “¹ And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the seed royal. ² But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king’s sons who were slain; and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedchamber from Athaliah, so that he was not slain. ³ And he was with her hid in the house of the Lord six years. And Athaliah reigned over the land.” 

Joash was the son of King Ahaziah of Judah, who was killed during the purge led by Jehu. After Ahaziah’s death, Joash’s grandmother, Athaliah, the mother of Ahaziah, seized the throne and killed all the royal heirs to establish her own power. 

However, Joash was saved by his aunt Jehosheba, the sister of King Ahaziah, who hid him in the temple of God for six years. Jehosheba was the wife of Jehoiada the priest, and they kept Joash hidden from Athaliah’s murderous purge (2 Kings 11:1-3; 2 Chronicles 22:10-12).  

God is never short of ways to preserve His chosen ones. God preserved Moses from being killed by Pharaoh when Pharaoh had issued a command for the sons of the Israelites to be killed. God also preserved Joash from being killed by his grandmother so that he could inherit the throne later in life. God has preserved His writings over the ages despite the huge opposition it has faced. God preserves and God’s purpose must be fulfilled.  

Jehoiada’s Role in Joash’s Reign 

At the age of seven, Joash was brought out of hiding by Jehoiada the priest, who organized a coup to depose Athaliah. Jehoiada gathered the military commanders and the people of Judah to crown Joash as king. Athaliah was executed, and Joash was placed on the throne of Judah (2 Kings 11:4-21; 2 Chronicles 23:1-15). 

Jehoiada’s influence over Joash was critical, particularly during Joash’s early reign. Under Jehoiada’s guidance, Joash sought to restore the proper worship of Yahweh and renew the covenant between the people and God (2 Chronicles 23:16-17). 

Joash’s Religious Reforms and Temple Restoration 

One of Joash’s most significant acts of faith was his dedication to the repair of the temple of God in Jerusalem, which had been neglected and damaged during the reign of his predecessors, particularly under the influence of Athaliah and her promotion of Baal worship. 

Joash ordered the priests and Levites to collect funds from the people to restore the temple. When progress was slow, he personally ensured that the funds were properly managed, and that the temple was repaired (2 Kings 12:4-14; 2 Chronicles 24:4-14). 

The restoration of the temple was a major religious reform that reestablished the proper worship of God in Judah. 

Joash’s Turning Away from God 

Unfortunately, after the death of Jehoiada the priest, Joash’s faithfulness to God faltered. Influenced by the princes of Judah, Joash allowed the people to turn to idolatry. As a result, prophets were sent by God to warn Joash and the people, but they did not listen (2 Chronicles 24:17-19). 

One of these prophets was Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada, who rebuked Joash for forsaking God. Tragically, Joash ordered Zechariah to be stoned to death in the temple courtyard, even though Zechariah’s father had saved Joash’s life (2 Chronicles 24:20-22). Sin makes people easily forget the people who had previously helped them. The pride in their hearts causes them to get puffed. It makes them have a false sense of belief that it is through their own power that they got where they are and that they can do anything they want.  

Joash had probably forgotten that it was Zechariah’s father who had saved his life. Therefore, he was quick to turn his wrath towards Zechariah. We often forget all the good things that God has done to us, and we turn our backs on Him. The Sabbath day acts as a reminder to remember all the good that the Lord has done for us throughout the week and throughout our entire lives.  

Joash’s Downfall 

Joash’s unfaithfulness led to God’s judgment. Syria, under King Hazael, attacked Judah and inflicted heavy casualties. Joash was forced to use the temple treasures to buy off Hazael, but this did not fully save him from God’s punishment (2 Kings 12:17-18; 2 Chronicles 24:23-24). 

Joash’s reign ended in tragedy. After his army was defeated by the Syrians, his own servants conspired against him and assassinated him while he lay wounded. The conspiracy was fueled by resentment over his role in the murder of Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada (2 Kings 12:19-21; 2 Chronicles 24:25-26).  

God has made everyone a leader in their God-given assignment. Some can be leaders in kingdoms, while others can be leaders in business. Others can be leaders in their own style of music and others can be leaders in certain subjects in education. God desires you to lead in whatever scope He has called you to lead. Therefore, He commands you to obey His commandments if you want to continue leading.  

Notice in the Sabbath commandment, manservants, maidservants, owners of cattle (animals) and strangers that are within one’s gates are mentioned (Exodus 20:10). This shows us that the Sabbath commandment (and all other commandments for that matter) is addressing leaders. At the same time, the Sabbath commandment and all the others are meant to be kept by everybody (Ecclesiastes 12:13). What we can derive from the fourth commandment (and all other commandments), is that everyone is meant to be a leader. God has given you the rules to lead effectively in His Ten Commandments.  

God promises in Deuteronomy 28:13 that if you keep His commandments, you will be first and not last. You will be above only and not beneath. In other words, you will be a leader, and you will lead. If you do not obey His commandments the reverse will happen, you will always be beneath, and you will always be the last. People will follow your lead, and they will respect you when you act righteously. Even the highest in society will honor you.  

If you sin, even those who are meant to be under your rule will rebel against you. Look at how people are rebelling in the nations where leaders practice tyranny and other practices that go against God’s law. Even those whom you consider the least in society, will oppose you. Proverbs 14:34 (KJV) – “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” 

Joash was buried in Jerusalem, but notably, he was not buried in the tombs of the kings, a sign of his dishonorable end (2 Chronicles 24:25). His end was dishonorable because he died while exalting sin. King Joash, whose name means “Yahweh has given”, had a reign that started with great promise and faithfulness but ended in tragedy due to his later rejection of God.  

Under the guidance of Jehoiada the priest, Joash restored the temple and initiated religious reforms. But after Jehoiada’s death, Joash turned away from God, leading to the nation’s spiritual decline and his own downfall. He reigned for 40 years (2 Kings 12:1) but was assassinated due to the betrayal of those who had saved him. His story highlights the importance of staying faithful to God throughout one’s life, not just in the beginning. 

Jehoiada 

Jehoiada (יְהוֹיָדָע) in Hebrew means “Yahweh knows” or “God knows.” Jehoiada was not a king but a high priest in Judah during the reigns of Kings Ahaziah, Athaliah, and Joash. He is most well-known for his role in overthrowing the wicked Queen Athaliah and restoring the young Joash to the throne. Jehoiada was a pivotal figure in the preservation of the Davidic line, as Athaliah had attempted to destroy all royal heirs. He hid Joash, the rightful heir, in the temple for six years (2 Chronicles 22:11). 

Jehoiada’s wife was Jehosheba (or Jehoshabeath), the daughter of King Jehoram of Judah and the sister of King Ahaziah. She played a crucial role in saving Joash by hiding him from Athaliah. 

Jehoiada’s son was Zechariah, who was also a prophet. Tragically, after Jehoiada’s death, King Joash turned away from God, and Zechariah was later stoned to death by the people under Joash’s orders (2 Chronicles 24:20-22). 

After Athaliah’s overthrow, Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord, the king, and the people that they should be the Lord’s people, and he led in the restoration of proper worship of Yahweh (2 Kings 11:17-18). Jehoiada was deeply influential during King Joash’s reign, guiding the young king in his early years to follow God and oversee the repair of the temple (2 Kings 12:2, 2 Chronicles 24:2).  

Jehoiada lived to the age of 130 years, an exceptionally long life. Upon his death, he was honored by being buried among the kings in the City of David because of the great service he had done for God and for the people of Judah (2 Chronicles 24:15-16). When he lived, he never knew that he was going to be buried among kings. Faith in God made him to be buried among kings. Jehoiada’s legacy is one of faithfulness, wisdom, and leadership, guiding Judah through a critical period of its history. By faith, Jehoiada obtained a good report.  

King Amaziah 

The name Amaziah (Hebrew: אֲמַצְיָה, Amatsyah) means “Yahweh is mighty” or “The Lord is mighty”. This reflects a recognition of God’s strength and power, which is significant given Amaziah’s mixed record in his reign. 

Amaziah was the ninth king of Judah. His reign was marked by a mix of religious reforms, military successes, and eventual decline. He is remembered for his initial faithfulness and his struggles with neighboring kingdoms. 

Amaziah was the son of King Joash (Jehoash) and Zibiah of Beersheba. His father Joash had a tumultuous reign, ending in assassination, which was a precursor to Amaziah’s own challenges (2 Kings 14:1; 2 Chronicles 25:1). 

Amaziah became king at the age of 25 and ruled for 29 years (2 Kings 14:2; 2 Chronicles 25:1). 

Initial Faithfulness to God 

2 Kings 14:3 (KJ21) – “And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, yet not like David his father; he did according to all things as Joash his father did.” 

2 Chronicles 25:2 (KJ21) – “And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, but not with a perfect heart.” 

Amaziah is noted for his initial faithfulness to God. He began his reign by following the ways of the Lord, as his father Joash had done earlier in his life. However, his commitment was somewhat inconsistent (2 Kings 14:3; 2 Chronicles 25:2). He was not as excellent in righteousness as David (one of the kings in his lineage) was. His reign was partly righteous and partly evil just like the reign of his father Joash. This is a common trait among many great Christian men and women.  

Many Christian leaders and influencers start with God, but they leave God once they reach the heights of greatness. Once they are down, they feel that they need God. Therefore, they seek Him diligently so that He can lift them up. Since God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6), He exalts them. Once they get exalted, they feel that they are in such a high place that they need nobody’s help. 

Therefore, they have no room for God because their wealth and power make them believe that they can sustain themselves. We are dependent on God all the time, whether one is great or lowly, or a king or a servant. Everybody is dependent on God. If we were dependent on ourselves, everybody would make themselves immortal.  

One of King Amaziah’s early acts as king was to execute the murderers of his father Joash, ensuring justice for the previous king’s assassination (2 Kings 14:5; 2 Chronicles 25:3-4).  

Military Campaigns and Achievements 

2 Kings 14:7 (KJ21) – “He slew ten thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt, and took Sela by war, and called the name of it Joktheel unto this day.” 

Amaziah was known for his military prowess. He defeated the Edomites in the Valley of Salt, killing 10,000 of them and capturing Sela (also known as Petra), which he renamed Joktheel (2 Kings 14:7; 2 Chronicles 25:11-12). 

Sela is a Hebrew word meaning “rock.” It refers to a fortified city in Edom, often identified with the city of Petra in modern Jordan, which was a stronghold located in the rocky cliffs. Petra is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word Sela.  Petra was an ancient city located in modern-day Jordan, famous for its rock-cut architecture and being a strategic stronghold. Thus, Petra and Sela refer to the same city in the Bible, with the Hebrew name Sela later translated into the Greek Petra, both meaning “rock.” 

Joktheel (Hebrew: יָקְתְאֵל‎, Yoqte’el) means “God’s subdued” or “God’s obedience” This name comes from the Hebrew root “yakath,” meaning “to subdue,” combined with “El,” a common reference to God. The name suggests that the city was subdued or conquered by God’s power.  

King Amaziah changed the name of the place from Sela to Joktheel. Sela means rock. A rock usually symbolizes the firmness or the strength of something. He gave it a better name, Joktheel which means “God subdued.” The former meaning of the city’s name and the new meaning given by Amaziah symbolize that God subdues the most difficult things. Amaziah did this act to honor God and to acknowledge that it was God who gave them power to conquer the city. It is better to go the extra mile to show that you acknowledge your dependence on God through your actions, not just your words. Words can be cheap because many people are used to saying things that they do not mean. However, when you accompany your words with actions, your words will be more grounded since they would have evidence.  

Psalm 33:9 (KJ21) says, “For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.” God never speaks empty words. Whatever He says, it gets done. His words are always accompanied by actions. In Genesis 1 in the story of creation we can see that whatever God calls into existence, it comes into existence.  

John 1:14 (KJ21) – “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.” The Word was made flesh (it was made a seen reality) and dwelt among men. If you want to see the evidence of the Word of God in your life, obey it.  

The name that Amaziah gave to the place stuck more than the previous name. Involving God actively in something gives that thing permanence. The Bible says that the place is called Joktheel to this day. God is eternal. Thus, whatever He touches automatically becomes eternal. Why don’t you experiment with this truth by allowing Him to touch your life?  

We all know the Apostle Paul. He was once called Saul but the new name he was given, Paul, stuck more than the old name he was born with. His work after salvation is cherished and more remembered than his past life of sin. When God works in you no matter how terrible of a sinner you are, your righteousness will be more remembered than your former sinful life. The new identity He has given you will be remembered more than the past identity that the Devil had covered you with.  

2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV) – “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 

Following Amaziah’s victory, he challenged King Jehoash of Israel to a battle. This was a mistake as it led to a confrontation between Judah and Israel. He probably did that because he was feeling the thrill of winning. He felt that since he won ten thousand Edomites in the valley of Salt, he would defeat the Israelites as well.  

When the story of Amaziah starts we are told that he did what was right in God’s sight but not to the level of his father David. David was a king who conquered the greatest battles, but he was humble. He did not fight every individual who confronted him. Sometimes he would run away. Before fighting a battle, he would seek God’s approval to allow him to fight that battle. Amaziah challenged the Israelites to battle with Judah because of pride.  

The Israelites under King Jehoash were evil (just like the Edomites) and Jehoash too did not lead the kingdom to righteousness. The Israelites were practicing idolatry, and Jehoash brought no spiritual reform. Thus, any carnal mind would think because God had allowed Judah to smite the Edomites because of their evil deeds, He would also allow them to smite Israel because of their evil deeds. It is not good to assume what God wants. Instead of assuming, you should ask Him.  

Amaziah’s challenge to Jehoash of Israel resulted in a decisive defeat for Judah. Jehoash defeated Amaziah’s army and even breached the walls of Jerusalem, taking significant spoils back to Samaria (2 Kings 14:8-14; 2 Chronicles 25:17-24). 

After this defeat, Amaziah’s reign faced significant problems. The defeat weakened his position, and he was eventually assassinated by his own servants (2 Kings 14:19-20; 2 Chronicles 25:27). His assassination marked a turbulent end to his reign. 

Legacy and Succession 

After his death, Amaziah was succeeded by his son Uzziah (Azariah), who was 16 years old at the time (2 Kings 15:1-2; 2 Chronicles 26:1). 

Amaziah’s story illustrates the importance of remaining consistently faithful to God, as his initial faithfulness was overshadowed by his later failures and lack of trust in God’s guidance. 

King Amaziah, whose name means “Yahweh is mighty,” began his reign with promise and faithfulness to God but faced challenges due to his military overreach and political missteps. His reign included notable victories, especially over Edom, but his challenge to Israel led to significant losses and his own downfall. His story is a reminder of the importance of maintaining faithfulness and wisdom in leadership. When Amaziah showed faith in God, he gained a good reputation, when he did not he gained no good reputation. 

King Uzziah (also known as Azariah) 

Uzziah (עֻזִּיָּה) in Hebrew means “Yahweh is my strength” or “God is my strength.” 

King Uzziah, also known as Azariah in some Bible passages, was a king of Judah. He began his reign at the young age of 16, after his father, Amaziah, was killed. His reign lasted for 52 years (around 792–740 BC), making it one of the longest in Judah’s history (2 Chronicles 26:1-3, 2 Kings 15:1-3). 

King Uzziah’s father was Amaziah, who was also a king of Judah. Amaziah was generally faithful to God but later turned away from Him, leading to his assassination. His mother was Jecoliah (2 Chronicles 26:3). His son was Jotham, who succeeded Uzziah as king and is remembered for continuing his father’s military and building projects. 

Uzziah is remembered for being a strong and capable ruler who led Judah into a period of prosperity and military success. Under his leadership, Judah expanded its territory, strengthened its fortifications, and developed agriculture and commerce (2 Chronicles 26:6-10). His success was attributed to his faithfulness to God in the early part of his reign, as he “sought God in the days of Zechariah” (2 Chronicles 26:5).  

As long as Uzziah followed the Lord, he prospered. As long as you follow God, prosperity is assured. You should not follow God because of prosperity. You should follow God because of who He is. Prosperity and exaltation are the effects or rather the fruits that come with faithfully following God.  

Uzziah led military campaigns against the Philistines, Arabs, and Ammonites, and he built towers in Jerusalem for defense. He strengthened the army and equipped them with advanced military tools, including specially designed machines for shooting arrows and large stones (2 Chronicles 26:14-15). He also promoted agriculture and improved the nation’s infrastructure, reflecting his leadership skills in both domestic and military matters. 

Later in his reign, Uzziah became prideful due to his success, which led to his downfall. In an act of disobedience, Uzziah entered the temple to burn incense on the altar, a duty reserved only for the priests (2 Chronicles 26:16-18). No matter how high you go in life, stick to the duties that God has given you and do not do what He has forbidden you to do. As a result of disobedience, God struck Uzziah with leprosy, and he remained a leper until the end of his life. He lived in isolation while his son Jotham governed in his place (2 Chronicles 26:19-21). 

King Uzziah died in around 740 BC after reigning for 52 years. Although the Bible does not specify his exact age at death, since he began his reign at 16, it is likely that he lived into his late 60s or early 70s. 

Uzziah is often remembered for both his achievements and his tragic end. His reign brought prosperity to Judah, but his pride led to his downfall, serving as a reminder of the dangers of pride and disobedience to God. His story is told in 2 Chronicles 26 and 2 Kings 15:1-7. Like his father, Uzziah started his reign with God but did not end with God.  

We should be careful of generational patterns and curses so that we do not fall into the same sins that our fathers and forefathers fell into. Fast and pray against these patterns. There are some families which have a history of drunkenness, some families have a history of adultery, some have a history of siring children outside marriage, some have a history of witchcraft while some have a history of not completing projects.  

Take time to learn more about your family, tribe and nation. Look at the common negative aspects that are in them and pray against them. Uzziah obtained a good reputation when he had faith in God and a terrible reputation when he had doubt.  

King Jotham 

The name Jotham (Hebrew: יוֹתָם, Yotam) means “Yahweh is perfect” or “The Lord is upright”. It reflects a sense of righteousness and a connection to God’s perfect ways, which aligns with Jotham’s largely faithful reign. 

Jotham was the eleventh king of Judah, succeeding his father Uzziah (also known as Azariah). His reign is notable for his faithfulness to God, his strong leadership, and the improvements he made to Judah’s infrastructure. Though his reign was overshadowed by the negative actions of the people, Jotham is remembered for his personal commitment to God. 

Jotham was the son of King Uzziah and Jerusha, the daughter of Zadok (2 Kings 15:32-33; 2 Chronicles 27:1). Uzziah, Jotham’s father, was a long-reigning and successful king, but he was struck with leprosy after attempting to burn incense in the temple, a role reserved for priests. Because of his condition, Uzziah was isolated, and Jotham ruled as co-regent during this time (2 Chronicles 26:21). Jotham officially became king of Judah after the death of his father, Uzziah, and reigned for 16 years (2 Kings 15:33; 2 Chronicles 27:1). 

Jotham’s Faithfulness to God 

2 Chronicles 27:2 (KJ21) – “And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father Uzziah did; however, he entered not into the temple of the Lord. And the people did yet corruptly.” 

Jotham is described as a righteous king who followed the ways of his father, Uzziah, but did not repeat Uzziah’s mistake of usurping the role of the priests (2 Chronicles 27:2). He is noted for doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord (2 Kings 15:34). Learn from the mistakes and experiences of those who are older than you, not just your parents, so that you do not repeat the same mistakes.  

If your parents are still alive, spend time with them and ask them as many questions as you can regarding their lives. Ask them for life advice. Do the same with your uncles, aunties, cousins, grandparents and all other relatives. Do not fear to appear too inquisitive. You would rather ask someone a question and they fail to answer or dismiss it as a stupid question than fail to ask. The pride in our hearts is what makes us avoid asking questions because we are afraid of looking foolish. Humility is acknowledging that you are a fool (in the context that there is a lot you do not know).  

Once you acknowledge your insufficiency in knowledge, you will be willing to seek more knowledge, and you will be better in life than you were before. You do not have to learn from your own experience. You can learn from other people’s experiences. Study various people’s facets of life, for instance their spiritual life, their financial life, their social life, their family life etc.  

Take a keen look at the mistakes and the consequences sin has brought them and ensure that you do not fall into the same pitfalls. Embrace whatever good and noble thing that they have done but do not embrace the evil things. Treat your role models with the same respect. Some people want to copy everything that their role models are doing. That is dangerous because you are two different people with two different lives.  

If you have Jesus as your role model, you can copy everything that He did. However, if you have human beings as your role models, you need to be careful, no matter how holy they appear. The Bible records King Uzziah to have made one mistake despite living righteously. That mistake was entering into God’s temple and burning incense. In 2 Chronicles 27:2, King Jotham is recorded to have lived righteously like his father King Uzziah but did not repeat the same mistake of going to the temple to burn incense as his father did.  

We are also told in 2 Chronicles 27:2 that despite him being righteous, the people still acted corruptly. Sometimes, you can be a righteous leader, but people fail to act righteously. For example, God is the most righteous leader, but the majority of the world still acts corruptly. This does not mean you stop leading righteously. Keep on leading righteously in that position that God has given you for the time that God has kept you there.  

We can also see that Jotham was not a dictator. He did not force the people to act righteously. Dictatorship is ungodly. Do not force people to believe in what you believe in. Instead, influence them. The best way to influence them is through your example.  

2 Chronicles 27:6 (NLT) – “King Jotham became powerful because he was careful to live in obedience to the Lord his God.” 

In 2 Chronicles 27:6 we are told that Jotham became powerful because he was careful to live in obedience to the Lord his God. Obedience to God gave Jotham power. When you live a life of obedience to God, you will increase in power in all aspects of your life. The Word that God calls you to obey has infinite power. Obeying God’s Word is inviting power into your life.  

A cell phone cannot stay on forever without being charged. When you use it for some time the charge runs out and you need to charge it again. Having a phone with no charge is like having a powerless phone, thus it is considered useless. The same principle applies to our lives. We cannot live powerfully and effectively without studying and applying God’s Word.  

Jotham not only lived in obedience to God’s Word, but he was also careful to live in obedience to God’s Word. The Bible uses the phrase, “he was careful,” meaning he looked at even the tiniest details to ensure he does not go astray from God’s Word.  

Construction and Infrastructure Improvements 

Jotham was a builder and reformer who focused on strengthening Judah’s defenses and infrastructure. He undertook several important construction projects that fortified the kingdom: 

He rebuilt the upper gate of the Lord’s temple, indicating his concern for the temple and religious worship (2 Kings 15:35; 2 Chronicles 27:3). 

2 Chronicles 27:3 (AMP) – “³ It was Jotham who built the Upper Gate of the house of the Lord, and he built extensively on the wall of Ophel. ⁴ Moreover, he built cities in the hill country of Judah, and in the forests, he built fortresses and towers.” 

He also built extensively on the wall of Ophel and constructed towns, fortresses, and towers in Judah (2 Chronicles 27:3-4). These projects bolstered the kingdom’s security and infrastructure. 

Why did Jotham build extensively on the wall of Ophel than in other areas? 

Jotham’s extensive building of the wall of Ophel, as mentioned in 2 Chronicles 27:3, likely had both practical and symbolic reasons: 

1. Defense and Security: The wall of Ophel was part of the fortifications of Jerusalem. Ophel was a hill located between the City of David and the Temple Mount, an area of strategic importance. Strengthening the walls would enhance the city’s defense, protecting it from potential invaders. Jotham likely saw the need to fortify this area as part of his efforts to secure the kingdom. 

2. Strengthening the Nation: During Jotham’s reign, there were ongoing threats from neighboring nations. Fortifying the walls of Jerusalem, particularly near the Temple and in areas of religious significance, would have been important for maintaining the kingdom’s strength and stability. 

3. Religious Symbolism: Ophel was close to the Temple, and improving the fortifications around such a sacred area could symbolize Jotham’s commitment to protecting the spiritual center of the nation. His dedication to maintaining the religious heart of Israel could also reflect his reverence for the Lord. 

Military Campaigns and Success 

Jotham had military success during his reign. He fought against the Ammonites, who had been hostile to Judah, and subdued them. As a result, the Ammonites paid him a significant tribute for three years: 100 talents of silver, 10,000 measures of wheat, and 10,000 measures of barley each year (2 Chronicles 27:5). When you have God on your side, you are automatically the light of the world. Being light in a world that is filled with darkness means that you are unique.  

When you are peculiar, people who are lost in darkness will need you to shine light into their lives. If you are in business, they will always need your products and services. If you are looking for a job, employers will always need you to omit the darkness in their organizations. When you are light, your demand will be very high, and people will be willing to pay you hefty amounts to get some of that light.   

The power of God made Jotham to fight against the Ammonites and defeat them. As a result, the ammonites paid him with huge material goods every year. You may find that he did not even ask for them, they just chose to pay him. God can work in people to pay you more than you expected without even asking anything from them.  

Genesis 14:22-23 (KJ21) – “²² And Abram said to the king of Sodom, ‘I have lifted up mine hand unto the Lord, the Most High God, the Possessor of heaven and earth, ²³ That I will not take from a thread even to a shoelatchet, and that I will not take any thing that is thine, lest thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich.’” 

The king of Sodom offered Abraham the spoils of war following Abraham’s victory over the kings who had captured Lot. The king of Sodom requested Abraham to return the people but keep the goods taken during the battle. Abraham refused to take anything from the king of Sodom after the king of Sodom offered him all those great possessions.  

In Genesis 13:2, we are told that Abraham was very rich materially. Abraham did not want the king of Sodom to take credit for his riches. Secondly, he probably felt that what he had was more than enough, he did not need to take anything more. God says in Malachi 3:10 that He will open the flood gates of heaven so that you will have no room to receive the blessing He is going to give you. Abraham had great material wealth in Genesis 13:2 that he did not need anymore from an unbeliever in Genesis 14:22-23.  

Monarchs like the Queen of Sheba used to visit King Solomon and give costly material goods to him in exchange for a piece of the wisdom that God had given to him. Pharaoh elevated Joseph from a prisoner to the second highest person in Egypt (after him) because of the simple gift of dream interpretation that God had given him. Pharaoh also wanted a strategy from Joseph on how to endure the famine that was going to fall upon them and effective measures on how to manage it. God worked through Joseph even when he was exalted. Because of Joseph, Egypt was prosperous even during the famine season that other nations would come to borrow and buy from it.  

King Nebuchadnezzar exalted Daniel because of his God given ability to interpret a dream. By extension, he ended up exalting Daniel’s friends, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. King Belshazzar gave Daniel great gifts immediately after he had told him the painful truth concerning the writings on the wall. The ability to interpret those writings was given to him by God. King Darius made Daniel a president and exalted him above all the others because of the excellent character and work ethic thar was cultivated in him by God.  

From the example of Solomon, Joseph, and Jotham, we can see that there is need for nations to have genuine Christian leaders. Leaders who will lead the nation in righteousness because righteousness exalts a nation (Proverbs 14:34). If we have such leaders, our countries will never be poor. We will be the lenders only and we will not borrow (Deuteronomy 28:12). People will invest and give grants to our countries in exchange for the light that the top leaders are illuminating in the world.  

When you are a righteous individual, you will always be needed. People will go to great lengths to give you great gifts to receive a little bit of the light that God has instilled in you and on you. This does not mean that the light that God has given us is meant for trade. It means that God will always provide for you, many times and often, He will do it through people. When you bless others, God takes account, and He will never fail to repay you. It might not always be immediate, but He will always repay you.  

King Jotham’s military achievements contributed to his strength and the prosperity of Judah during his reign. 

Jotham’s Death and Legacy 

Jotham’s reign is summarized positively, particularly regarding his personal faithfulness to God. The books of Kings and Chronicles both commend him for his righteous rule, even though the people of Judah did not fully follow his example (2 Kings 15:34-35; 2 Chronicles 27:2). 

After reigning for 16 years, Jotham died and was buried in the City of David (2 Kings 15:38; 2 Chronicles 27:9). He was succeeded by his son, Ahaz, who, unfortunately, did not follow in his father’s righteous footsteps and led Judah into idolatry and further decline (2 Kings 15:38; 16:1-4). 

King Jotham, whose name means “Yahweh is perfect”, ruled Judah with a heart devoted to God. He is remembered for his personal faithfulness, his efforts to fortify Judah’s defenses, and his military successes.  

Despite Jotham’s righteousness, the people of Judah did not fully abandon their corrupt practices, highlighting the challenges he faced during his reign. Jotham ruled for 16 years and left a positive legacy of obedience to God, though his son Ahaz did not continue in his footsteps. By faith, King Jotham obtained a good reputation.  

King Cyrus the Great (Persian king) 

The name Cyrus (Greek: Κῦρος, Kuros; Persian: Khur, meaning “sun” or “throne”) is often associated with the concept of a leader or king, and it reflects majesty and divine favor. 

Cyrus the Great was the founder of the Achaemenid Empire, also known as the First Persian Empire. His reign marked a significant period in ancient history due to his military conquests, administrative reforms, and the release of Jewish captives. He is known for his impressive achievements and notable impact on the biblical narrative. 

Cyrus II, commonly known as Cyrus the Great, was the son of Cambyses I and Manda. He was born around 600–576 BC (precise dates vary by source). He ascended to the throne of Persia after overthrowing his grandfather Astyages of the Median Empire, thereby uniting the Persian and Median kingdoms into a powerful empire (circa 550 BC). 

Military Conquests and Empire Building 

Cyrus the Great expanded his empire through a series of successful military campaigns. His conquests included: 

Lydia (in modern-day Turkey) in 546 BC. The Neo-Babylonian Empire in 539 BC, which included the capture of Babylon itself. This conquest was significant in allowing Cyrus to become the ruler of a vast empire stretching from the Mediterranean to the Indus River. 

Religious Tolerance and Administration 

Cyrus is known for his policy of religious tolerance and respect towards the cultures and religions of the lands he conquered. This policy included allowing local customs and religions to be practiced freely. His approach to governance was marked by effective administrative reforms that allowed him to manage a vast and diverse empire efficiently. 

The Release of the Jewish Exiles 

One of Cyrus’s most notable acts in biblical history was his decree allowing the Jewish exiles in Babylon to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. 

This event is described in several biblical texts: 

2 Chronicles 36:22-23 (KJ21) – “²² Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the Word of the Lord spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and put it also in writing, saying, ²³ Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth hath the Lord God of heaven given me; and He hath charged me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all His people? The Lord his God be with him, and let him go up.” 

Ezra 1:1-4 (KJ21) – “¹ Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the Word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and put it also in writing, saying, ² “Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia: ‘The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and He hath charged me to build Him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. ³ Who is there among you of all His people? His God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel (He is the God), which is in Jerusalem. ⁴ And whosoever remaineth in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver and with gold, and with goods and with beasts, besides the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.’” 

Death and Legacy 

Cyrus the Great died around 530 BC. After his death, his empire was ruled by his successors, including his son Cambyses II and later Darius I. 

He is remembered as a wise and visionary ruler whose policies of tolerance and respect for local customs and religions earned him a favorable place in history. His legacy is also reflected in the Cyrus Cylinder, an artifact that celebrates his achievements and policies of benevolence. Cyrus might not have been a believer in God but the little good acts of faith which he did gave him a good reputation.  

John the Baptist 

The name John (Hebrew: יוֹחָנָן, Yochanan; Greek: Ἰωάννης, Ioannes) means “Yahweh is gracious” or “The Lord is gracious”. This reflects a theme of divine favor and kindness, which is fitting for John the Baptist’s role in preparing the way for Jesus. 

John the Baptist was a significant figure in the New Testament, known for his role in heralding the coming of Jesus Christ and his distinctive lifestyle and ministry. John the Baptist was the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth.  Elizabeth, his mother, was a relative of Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:36). The two women were both descendants of Aaron, highlighting their priestly lineage. 

John’s birth was foretold by the angel Gabriel to his father Zechariah, who was a priest (Luke 1:5-25). John’s birth was considered miraculous because Elizabeth was advanced in age and had been barren (Luke 1:7, 13-14). 

Ministry and Role 

John the Baptist began his ministry in the wilderness of Judea, calling people to repentance and baptizing them as a sign of their commitment to God (Matthew 3:1-2; Mark 1:4). His baptism was a symbol of spiritual cleansing and preparation for the coming of the Messiah (Matthew 3:6). John’s message was one of preparation for the coming of Jesus, whom he identified as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). He baptized Jesus himself in the Jordan River, marking the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11). 

Distinctive Lifestyle 

John led a life of asceticism, living in the wilderness and wearing clothing made of camel’s hair with a leather belt (Matthew 3:4; Mark 1:6). His diet consisted of locusts and wild honey, which underscored his separation from the comforts of society (Matthew 3:4; Mark 1:6). 

Conflict with Herod 

John confronted Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, for his unlawful marriage to Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. This bold action led to his imprisonment (Matthew 14:3-4; Mark 6:17-18). While imprisoned, John sent messengers to Jesus to confirm whether He was the expected Messiah (Luke 7:18-19). Jesus reassured him by pointing to His miracles and fulfillment of prophecy (Luke 7:20-23). 

Martyrdom 

John the Baptist was eventually executed by beheading at the request of Herodias’ daughter, Salome, who danced before Herod Antipas and asked for John’s head on a platter (Matthew 14:6-11; Mark 6:21-28). His martyrdom is seen as a testament to his unwavering commitment to his prophetic mission and his courage in standing for truth. 

Legacy and Influence 

John the Baptist is regarded as the last of the Old Testament prophets and the forerunner of Jesus Christ. He is celebrated for his role in preparing the way for Jesus and his dedication to his mission. Jesus Himself praised John, saying that among those born of women, there was none greater than John the Baptist (Matthew 11:11; Luke 7:28). 

John the Baptist, whose name means “Yahweh is gracious”, played a pivotal role in the New Testament as the forerunner of Jesus Christ. His life and ministry were marked by his call to repentance, his ascetic lifestyle, and his bold confrontation with Herod. His baptism of Jesus signified the start of Jesus’ ministry, and his eventual martyrdom highlighted his dedication and courage. John’s legacy continues to be honored as a key figure in the Christian faith. By faith, John the Baptist obtained a good report.  

Mary, the Mother of Jesus 

Mary is honored for her unwavering faith in God’s plan, despite the challenges and societal pressures she faced. When the angel Gabriel announced that she would conceive Jesus through the Holy Spirit, Mary responded with humble obedience, saying, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38 KJ21).  

Mary’s faith in God’s promise and her role as the mother of the Messiah solidified her reputation as a woman of great faith. Mary was a virgin. She did not know that she was going to give birth to God (Jesus), she was simply obeying God’s commandments by preserving herself. God gave her an unexpected blessing by giving her the privilege to give birth to Jesus. By faith, Mary obtained a good reputation.  

The Roman Centurion 

In Matthew 8:5-13, a Roman centurion is commended by Jesus for his extraordinary faith. He believed that Jesus could heal his servant by uttering a word, without needing to come to his home. Jesus marveled at the centurion’s faith, saying, “Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel” (Matthew 8:10 KJ21). This man’s faith earned him a place in the Bible as an example of belief in God’s authority. He was not a Jew but his faith made him to obtain a good reputation.  

The Woman with the Issue of Blood 

This woman, who had suffered from a bleeding condition for twelve years, demonstrated remarkable faith by believing that merely touching Jesus’ garment would heal her. Despite the crowd, she reached out and touched the hem of His garment, and Jesus responded, “Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole” (Matthew 9:22 KJ21). Her faith was rewarded with healing. Thus, she obtained a good reputation.  

The Syrophoenician Woman 

In Matthew 15:21-28, a Syrophoenician woman approached Jesus, pleading for the healing of her demon-possessed daughter. Though initially tested by Jesus, she persisted in her faith, and Jesus acknowledged her great faith, saying, “O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt” (Matthew 15:28 KJ21). Her faith led to her daughter’s healing and earned her recognition as a woman of profound faith. 

The Apostle Paul 

Paul, originally a persecutor of Christians, became one of the most influential apostles through his deep faith in Christ. His missionary journeys, numerous letters to the early churches, and willingness to suffer for the gospel made him a pillar of the New Testament church. Paul wrote, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7 KJ21), exemplifying his enduring faith. He wrote around half of the books of the New Testament which are read to this day. By faith, Paul obtained a good reputation.  

Stephen 

Stephen was a man “full of faith and power” (Acts 6:8 KJ21) who performed great wonders and signs among the people. His bold proclamation of the gospel led to his martyrdom, but even in his final moments, he demonstrated unwavering faith, praying for his persecutors as he was stoned to death. His faith and courage earned him a lasting reputation as the first Christian martyr and a man of strong conviction. 

The Apostle Peter 

Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, is known for his faith, despite moments of doubt. When Jesus walked on water, Peter’s faith led him to step out of the boat and walk toward Him. Though he faltered when he became afraid, his initial act of faith is remarkable (Matthew 14:28-31 KJ21).  

Peter fell into sin various times, when he was with Jesus and even after Jesus ascended back to heaven. However, he did not stay down permanently, feeling hopeless. Every time he fell, he rose up quickly. After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter became a powerful leader in the early church, boldly preaching the gospel and even healing the sick, solidifying his reputation as a man of faith. He wrote two books in the Bible, 1^st and 2^nd Peter. Numerous Bible scholars say that he had a low level of education, but his faith earned him a good reputation.  

The Apostle John 

John, often referred to as the “beloved disciple,” was known for his deep faith and love for Jesus. He was one of the first disciples to believe in the resurrection of Jesus after seeing the empty tomb (John 20:8 KJ21). John’s faith is further evidenced by his writings, including the Gospel of John, his epistles, and the Book of Revelation. His faith and insight into the divine nature of Jesus earned him a lasting reputation as a key figure in the Bible. 

The Samaritan Woman at the Well 

In John 4:1-42, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at a well and reveals to her that He is the Messiah. Despite her past and the social barriers between Jews and Samaritans, she believed in Him and immediately shared the news with her community. Her faith led many Samaritans to believe in Jesus, and she is remembered as a woman whose faith had a profound impact on her town. Despite her terrible past, her faith earned her a good reputation.  

Zacchaeus the Tax Collector 

Zacchaeus, a wealthy tax collector, demonstrated his faith when he climbed a sycamore tree to see Jesus as He passed by. His eagerness to see Jesus and his subsequent repentance led to Jesus visiting his home. Zacchaeus vowed to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay those he had wronged fourfold. Jesus declared, “This day is salvation come to this house, forasmuch as he also is a son of Abraham” (Luke 19:9 KJ21). Zacchaeus’ faith led to his transformation and a good reputation as a repentant believer. 

Mary Magdalene 

Mary Magdalene is renowned for her deep devotion and faith in Jesus. After being healed by Him, she became one of His most faithful followers. She was present at the crucifixion and was the first to witness the resurrected Christ, and was entrusted with the message of His resurrection to the apostles (John 20:11-18 KJ21). Her faithfulness earned her a revered place in Christian history and a good reputation. 

The Apostle Thomas 

Thomas, often remembered as “Doubting Thomas,” eventually gained a good reputation for his faith. After initially doubting Jesus’ resurrection, he proclaimed, “My Lord and my God” when Jesus appeared to him (John 20:28 KJ21). His subsequent missionary work, particularly in India, where he is believed to have spread the gospel, demonstrates his strong faith and commitment to Christ. 

Lydia, the Seller of Purple 

Lydia was a businesswoman in Philippi who worshiped God and became the first recorded European convert to Christianity. When Paul preached, the Lord opened her heart to respond to the message, and she and her household were baptized (Acts 16:14-15 KJ21). Her faith led to the establishment of the church in Philippi, and she is remembered as a hospitable and faithful believer. By faith, she obtained a good reputation.  

The Philippian Jailer 

In Acts 16:25-34, a jailer in Philippi came to faith after witnessing Paul and Silas miraculously freed from prison by an earthquake. Believing their message, he and his entire household were baptized. His faith not only saved him but also established him as a respected member of the early Christian community. His act of simply believing in Jesus is read to this day. His faith made him obtain a good reputation.  

Barnabas 

Barnabas, whose name means “son of encouragement,” was a close companion of Paul and a key figure in the early church. He demonstrated faith by selling his land and giving the proceeds to the apostles (Acts 4:36-37 KJ21). He also showed faith in Paul’s conversion when others were skeptical, bringing him to the apostles and vouching for his sincerity (Acts 9:26-27 KJ21). Barnabas’ faith and generosity earned him a lasting reputation as an encourager and a man of faith. 

Cornelius the Centurion 

Cornelius, a Roman centurion, is noted for his faith and devotion to God. Although he was a Gentile, he feared God, prayed regularly, and gave generously to those in need. His faith was rewarded when an angel instructed him to send for Peter, who then preached the gospel to him and his household, leading to their conversion and baptism (Acts 10:1-48 KJ21). Cornelius’ faith made him one of the first Gentile converts to Christianity. Thus, he obtained a good reputation by faith.  

Priscilla and Aquila 

This husband-and-wife team demonstrated their faith through their hospitality, teaching, and support of Paul’s ministry. They are particularly known for instructing Apollos, a knowledgeable preacher, and explaining “the way of God more perfectly” to him (Acts 18:26 KJ21). Their faith and partnership in ministry earned them a good reputation in the early church. 

Timothy 

Timothy, a young disciple mentored by Paul, is known for his sincere faith, which Paul praises in his letters (2 Timothy 1:5 KJ21). Timothy’s faith, nurtured by his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois, led him to become a trusted leader in the early church. He was often sent by Paul to strengthen and encourage believers in various congregations. 

The Canaanite Woman 

This unnamed Canaanite woman approached Jesus, pleading for her daughter to be healed. Despite being initially dismissed, her persistent faith moved Jesus to commend her: “O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt” (Matthew 15:28 KJ21). Her faith led to her daughter’s healing and earned her a good reputation and recognition as a model of persistent belief. 

Joseph of Arimathea 

Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy and respected member of the Sanhedrin, demonstrated his faith by boldly asking Pilate for Jesus’ body after the crucifixion. He provided a tomb for Jesus’ burial (Luke 23:50-53 KJ21). His faith in Jesus and his actions during a critical moment earned him a good reputation among the early Christians. 

Martha 

Martha, the sister of Mary and Lazarus, is known for her faith in Jesus, even in the face of her brother’s death. When Jesus arrived after Lazarus had died, Martha expressed her belief that Jesus could still act, saying, “But I know, that even now, whatsoever Thou wilt ask of God, God will give it Thee” (John 11:22 KJ21). Her faith was rewarded when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, and she is remembered as a woman of practical faith. Through faith, she obtained a good reputation.  

Mary of Bethany 

Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, demonstrated her deep faith and love for Jesus when she anointed His feet with expensive perfume and wiped them with her hair. This act of devotion, despite criticism from others, was highly praised by Jesus, who said, “Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her” (Matthew 26:13 KJ21). Mary’s faith and worshipful spirit earned her a good reputation.  

The Ethiopian Eunuch 

The Ethiopian eunuch, a high official under the Queen of Ethiopia, demonstrated his faith when he sought to understand the Scriptures. When Philip explained the prophecy in Isaiah and preached about Jesus, the eunuch immediately believed and asked to be baptized (Acts 8:26-38 KJ21). His faith and eagerness to embrace the gospel earned him a noble reputation as one of the first Gentile converts to Christianity. 

Ananias of Damascus 

Ananias, a disciple in Damascus, showed great faith when he obeyed the Lord’s command to go to Saul (later Paul) and restore his sight. Despite knowing Saul’s reputation as a persecutor of Christians, Ananias faithfully followed God’s direction, calling Saul “Brother Saul” and laying hands on him, leading to Saul’s conversion (Acts 9:10-18 KJ21). Ananias’ faith and obedience played a crucial role in the transformation of one of the Bible’s most important figures. 

Tabitha (Dorcas) 

Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, was a disciple known for her good works and acts of charity, particularly in helping the poor. When she fell ill and died, the believers in Joppa sent for Peter, who prayed and raised her from the dead (Acts 9:36-42 KJ21). Her faith and charitable deeds earned her a lasting reputation as a beloved and faithful disciple. 

Silas 

Silas, also known as Silvanus, was a leader in the early church. He demonstrated his faith by accompanying Paul on his missionary journeys. He endured persecution, imprisonment, and hardships while spreading the gospel. While imprisoned with Paul in Philippi, Silas prayed and sang hymns, leading to a miraculous earthquake that freed them (Acts 16:25-26 KJ21). Silas’ faith and resilience made him a respected figure. 

Epaphroditus 

Epaphroditus was a fellow worker and messenger for Paul, who risked his life to bring aid to Paul while he was imprisoned. Despite falling gravely ill, he continued in his mission, demonstrating great faith and dedication. Paul commended him highly, saying, “Hold such in reputation” (Philippians 2:25-30 KJ21). Epaphroditus’ faithfulness and willingness to serve under difficult circumstances earned him a good reputation. 

The Widow with Two Mites 

In Mark 12:41-44, Jesus commends a poor widow who, in her faith, gave all she had—two small coins—into the temple treasury. Jesus said, “This poor widow hath cast more in than all they which have cast into the treasury” (Mark 12:43 KJ21). Her sacrificial giving, rooted in faith, earned her a lasting reputation as an example of true generosity and trust in God. 

The Man Born Blind 

In John 9, Jesus heals a man who was born blind. The man’s faith is evident when he stands up to the Pharisees who question him about Jesus. He boldly declares, “One thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see” (John 9:25 KJ21). Despite pressure and threats, he maintained his testimony about Jesus, ultimately declaring, “If this man were not of God, He could do nothing” (John 9:33 KJ21). His faith and courage in Jesus, even under pressure, earned him a good reputation, and his story has become a powerful testimony of spiritual and physical sight.  

The Penitent Thief on the Cross 

One of the thieves crucified alongside Jesus showed remarkable faith in his final moments. Recognizing Jesus’ innocence and kingship, he said, “Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom” (Luke 23:42 KJ21). Jesus responded, “Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with Me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43 KJ21). The thief’s faith, even in his dying moments, secured him a place in paradise and a lasting reputation as an example of repentance and belief. 

The Early Christians  

The believers in the early church demonstrated their faith by devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers. Their communal lifestyle, marked by sharing possessions and caring for one another, earned them favor with all the people. Acts 2:47 (KJ21) states, “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” The early Christians’ faith and unity were foundational to the spread of Christianity and left a lasting legacy. 

Gaius 

Gaius is commended in 3 John for his faithfulness and hospitality to traveling teachers and missionaries. John writes, “Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren and to strangers” (3 John 1:5 KJ21). Gaius’ generosity and support of the gospel earned him a good reputation. 

Onesimus 

Onesimus, a runaway slave who became a believer, is commended by Paul in the letter to Philemon. After meeting Paul in prison, Onesimus’ faith and transformation led Paul to refer to him as “my son” and “a beloved brother” (Philemon 1:10-16 KJ21). His faith and changed life earned him a new identity and a positive reputation. 

The Seven Deacons  

Seven men, including Stephen and Philip, were chosen to serve as deacons in the early church due to their good reputation, being “full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom” (Acts 6:3 KJ21). Their faith and service ensured the well-being of the church and allowed the apostles to focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word. Their role was crucial in the growth and unity of the early church. 

Philip the Evangelist 

Philip, one of the seven deacons chosen in Acts 6, demonstrated great faith in his evangelistic efforts. He preached the gospel in Samaria with such power that many believed and were baptized (Acts 8:5-12 KJ21). Later, he was led by the Holy Spirit to meet the Ethiopian eunuch, whom he baptized after explaining the Scriptures to him (Acts 8:26-39 KJ21). Philip’s faithfulness in spreading the gospel earned him the title of “the Evangelist” and a lasting reputation as a dedicated servant of Christ. 

Andrew the Apostle 

Andrew, the brother of Peter, is known for his faith in bringing people to Jesus. He was the first to follow Jesus and then brought his brother Peter to Him (John 1:40-42 KJ21). Andrew also demonstrated faith when he brought the boy with the five loaves and two fish to Jesus, trusting that Jesus could do something with it (John 6:8-9 KJ21). His faith in Jesus’ ability to work miracles and his eagerness to introduce others to Christ earned him a good reputation. 

James the Just 

James, the brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church, was known for his strong faith and commitment to prayer. His wisdom and faith were evident in his leadership and his letter, the Epistle of James, which emphasizes practical faith and righteous living (James 2:14-26 KJ21). James’ reputation as a man of faith and prayer earned him the title “James the Just” and a prominent role in the early Christian community. 

Simeon 

Simeon, a devout man living in Jerusalem, had faith that he would see the Messiah before He died. Guided by the Holy Spirit, he went to the temple where he met Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus. Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God, declaring that he had seen God’s salvation (Luke 2:28-30 KJ21). His faith and recognition of Jesus as the Messiah earned him honor and a good reputation. 

Anna the Prophetess 

Anna, an elderly prophetess who lived in the temple, demonstrated her faith through constant prayer and fasting. When she saw the infant Jesus, she gave thanks to God and spoke about Him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem (Luke 2:36-38 KJ21). Anna’s faithfulness and devotion to God earned her recognition as a prophetess and a witness to the Messiah’s arrival. 

Nicodemus 

Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, showed faith in Jesus by coming to Him at night to seek the truth (John 3:1-21 KJ21). Though initially cautious (defending Jesus indirectly without stating his belief in Him), Nicodemus defended Jesus in front of the Sanhedrin (John 7:50-51 KJ21) and later assisted Joseph of Arimathea in preparing Jesus’ body for burial (John 19:39-40 KJ21). His faith, though initially hidden, grew stronger, earning him a reputation as a believer and follower of Christ. 

The Apostles (Collectively) 

The apostles as a group, including Peter, James, John, and the others, are collectively known for their faith and dedication to spreading the gospel. After Jesus’ resurrection, they boldly preached the message of Christ, despite persecution and hardship. Their faith in Jesus and their commitment to fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20 KJ21) earned them a lasting reputation as the foundation of the Christian church. 

Paul’s Co-workers 

Paul’s letters mention several co-workers who demonstrated great faith in supporting his ministry. These include: 

Tychicus: Described as “a beloved brother and faithful minister” (Ephesians 6:21 KJ21), Tychicus was entrusted with delivering Paul’s letters and encouraging the churches. 

Aristarchus: A companion of Paul who was imprisoned with him (Colossians 4:10 KJ21) and demonstrated faith by enduring hardships alongside Paul. 

Luke: The beloved physician and author of the Gospel of Luke and Acts, Luke showed his faith through his detailed account of Jesus’ life and the early church (Colossians 4:14 KJ21). He was a loyal companion to Paul, staying with him during his final imprisonment (2 Timothy 4:11 KJ21). 

Epaphras: A faithful believer who founded the church in Colossae and fervently prayed for the believers there (Colossians 4:12-13 KJ21). 

Philemon: A wealthy Christian who demonstrated his faith by hosting a church in his home and showing kindness to the converted slave Onesimus (Philemon 1:1-7 KJ21). 

The Church in Antioch 

The believers in Antioch demonstrated strong faith by sending missionaries, including Paul and Barnabas, to spread the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 13:1-3 KJ21). Their faith in God’s mission and their generosity in supporting it earned them a reputation as a pivotal community in the spread of Christianity. 

John Mark 

John Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, initially struggled with his faith when he abandoned Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:13 KJ21). However, he later redeemed himself by becoming a faithful companion to both Barnabas and Paul (2 Timothy 4:11 KJ21) and by authoring the Gospel of Mark. His perseverance and growth in faith earned him a good reputation in the early church. 

Nathanael (also known as Bartholomew) 

Nathanael was one of the twelve apostles, and Jesus praised him as a man “in whom is no guile” (John 1:47 KJ21). When Jesus revealed His knowledge of Nathanael’s private moments, Nathanael immediately declared his faith in Jesus as the Son of God (John 1:49 KJ21). His straightforward faith and integrity earned him a place among the apostles and a good reputation.  

The Women at the Tomb 

The women who went to Jesus’ tomb early on the first day of the week demonstrated their faith and devotion to Him. They were the first to witness the resurrection and were entrusted by the angel and Jesus Himself to share the good news with the disciples (Matthew 28:1-10 KJ21). Their faithfulness in following Jesus, even in the face of uncertainty, earned them a lasting reputation as witnesses of the resurrection. 

The Gerasene Demoniac 

The man possessed by a legion of demons, whom Jesus healed, showed faith after his deliverance by begging to stay with Jesus. Jesus instructed him to go home and tell others what had happened, and the man obeyed and spread the news throughout the region, leading many to marvel at Jesus’ power (Mark 5:18-20 KJ21). His faith and willingness to share his testimony earned him a good reputation as a witness to Jesus’ miraculous power. 

Sosthenes 

Sosthenes, initially an opponent of Paul as the ruler of the synagogue, later became a believer and is mentioned as a co-author of 1 Corinthians (1 Corinthians 1:1 KJ21). His faith and conversion from a leader of opposition to a fellow worker with Paul highlight his significant role in the early church. 

The Woman with the Alabaster Jar 

This woman, often identified as Mary of Bethany, showed great faith by anointing Jesus with an expensive jar of perfume, despite the criticism from others. Jesus commended her act of faith, saying, “Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her (Matthew 26:13 KJ21).” Her faith and devotion to Jesus earned her a lasting reputation as an example of sacrificial love. 

Jairus 

Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue, demonstrated great faith when he approached Jesus to heal his dying daughter. Despite being told that his daughter had died, Jairus continued to believe in Jesus’ power. Jesus raised his daughter from the dead, saying, “Fear not: believe only, and she shall be made whole” (Luke 8:50 KJ21). Jairus’ faith in the face of despair earned him a lasting reputation as an example of trust in God’s power over life and death. 

Matthias 

Matthias was chosen by the apostles to replace Judas Iscariot as one of the twelve apostles. His choice was based on his faithful witnessing of Jesus’ ministry from the beginning, ensuring that he met the criteria set by the apostles for one who would take part in their ministry (Acts 1:21-26 KJ21). His faithfulness and commitment to Jesus earned him a place among the apostles. 

The Bereans 

The Bereans were commended for their noble character and faith because they “received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11 KJ21). Lazy Christians are very common in the church of today. We rarely check whether the things that the pastors are preaching to us are true or not.  

We accept everything that they tell us. We often believe because it is the pastor teaching or a respectable member in church, everything they say is true. This has led to the spiritual and physical decline of many lives in church because of applying the wrong principles that we have learnt from our religious institutions.  

Many of us write the Bible verses that the preacher mentions during the sermon, but we never bother to go back and read them. Let us be like the Bereans who counterchecked the things they were taught and who did a diligent study of God’s Word. Their faith through their diligent study of the Scriptures and willingness to embrace the truth earned them a good reputation. 

The 120 Disciples 

The 120 disciples (Acts 1:15) who were gathered in the upper room after Jesus’ ascension demonstrated their faith by continuing in prayer and unity. They were present when the Holy Spirit descended on Pentecost, filling them with power to preach the gospel (Acts 2:1-4 KJ21). Their faith and commitment to waiting on the Lord’s promise earned them a significant role in the birth of the early church. 

Apollos 

Apollos was an eloquent speaker and learned man who preached about Jesus with great enthusiasm. However, when Priscilla and Aquila heard him and realized he had only a partial understanding, they took him aside and explained the way of God more accurately. Apollos accepted their teaching and went on to become a powerful preacher of the gospel, especially in Corinth, where he greatly helped those who had believed through grace (Acts 18:24-28 KJ21). His humility, faith, and effective ministry earned him a good reputation. 

The Two Blind Men 

In Matthew 9:27-31, two blind men followed Jesus, crying out for mercy. Jesus asked if they believed He could heal them, and they replied, “Yea, Lord.” Jesus then touched their eyes, and their sight was restored. Their faith in Jesus’ power to heal them earned them a place in the gospel as examples of persistent and trusting faith. Thus, they obtained a good reputation.  

The Leper Who Returned 

In Luke 17:11-19, Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to thank Him. This man, a Samaritan, demonstrated faith by not only seeking Jesus’ help but also recognizing and giving thanks for the healing he received. Jesus commended him, saying, “Thy faith hath made thee whole” (Luke 17:19 KJ21). His gratitude and faith earned him a special mention in the gospel. We should always be grateful for everything that God has done for us.  

The Centurion at the Cross 

The Roman centurion who oversaw Jesus’ crucifixion demonstrated faith when he witnessed Jesus’ death and declared, “Truly this was the Son of God” (Matthew 27:54 KJ21). Despite being a Gentile and part of the Roman execution squad, his recognition of Jesus’ divine nature at that critical moment earned him a significant place in the gospel accounts. 

The Widow of Nain 

The widow of Nain experienced a profound miracle when Jesus raised her only son from the dead as they were carrying him out for burial (Luke 7:11-17 KJ21). The fact that Jesus was moved with compassion to intervene in her situation reflects her place in the narrative as someone who benefited from the grace and power of God through faith. 

The Gentile Believers at Pentecost 

On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached to a large crowd that included many Gentiles. When they heard the gospel and saw the signs of the Holy Spirit, they believed and were baptized (Acts 2:41 KJ21). Their faith led to the rapid expansion of the early church and earned them a reputation as the first fruits of the Gentile mission. 

Simon the Zealot 

Simon the Zealot was one of the twelve apostles, known for his passionate dedication to the Jewish cause before following Jesus. His transformation from a zealot, who likely opposed Roman rule, to a disciple of Christ reflects a deep faith in Jesus as the Messiah (Luke 6:15 KJ21). Though little is known about his specific actions, his inclusion among the apostles signifies his commitment and faith. 

Mary the Mother of John Mark 

Mary, the mother of John Mark, demonstrated faith by offering her home as a meeting place for believers. It was in her house that many gathered to pray for Peter when he was imprisoned, and where Peter went immediately after his miraculous release (Acts 12:12-17 KJ21). Her hospitality and support for the early church earned her recognition as a faithful believer. 

The Four Friends of the Paralyzed Man 

The four men who brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus demonstrated remarkable faith by lowering him through the roof of a house to reach Jesus, believing that Jesus could heal him. Jesus, seeing their faith, forgave the man’s sins and healed him (Mark 2:3-12 KJ21). Their determination and faith in Jesus’ power earned them a good reputation. 

The Poor Widow 

Jesus commended the poor widow who gave two mites to the temple treasury, noting that she gave more than all the others because she gave out of her poverty, all she had to live on (Mark 12:41-44 KJ21). Her faith in God’s provision and her willingness to give sacrificially earned her a good reputation as an example of true generosity and trust in God. 

Titus 

Titus was a trusted co-worker of Paul, known for his faith and leadership. Paul entrusted him with difficult tasks, such as organizing the church in Crete and delivering Paul’s letters to the Corinthians (Titus 1:5 KJ21; 2 Corinthians 7:6-7 KJ21). Titus’ faith, reliability, and dedication to the ministry earned him a reputation as a strong leader in the early church. 

Eutychus 

Eutychus is known for a miraculous event where he fell asleep during Paul’s lengthy sermon. He fell from a third-story window, and was presumed dead. Paul revived him, demonstrating the power of faith even in the face of death (Acts 20:7-12 KJ21). One of the main reasons why people sleep in church or when listening to a sermon is because they do not find Godly things interesting. I could play computer games for long periods without getting bored or sleepy or tired. When playing computer games, I never felt hungry.  

When I first started listening to Godly material on the internet, I used to fall asleep within the first few minutes.  However, I endured it, and it took about four years (or more) to be able to stay awake during a sermon. Now I find Godly things to be the most interesting things. Do not stop going to church or listening to Godly material because you feel sleepy or easily get bored of them. Keep abiding by God’s presence and slowly you will grow in grace, and you will be able to embrace it more as you keep on learning.  

In a certain sense, sleeping when a servant of God is preaching shows lack of faith. On the other hand, attending church or being present in a sermon shows faith. We can conclude that Eutychus had little faith because he was there when Paul was preaching but his faith probably had not matured enough, that is why he fell asleep during the sermon. However, being in the presence of God even though he was asleep enabled him to be raised from the dead.  

If Eutychus had died in an ungodly place (like a bar, casino, etc.) he would not have been raised. Some of the unbelievers in those ungodly places would be decent people. They would have felt sorry concerning what happened, but they would not be able to do anything about the situation because God is the giver of life. That shows that there are special blessings in church or in fellowship. Psalm 122:1 (KJ21) – “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.”  

Eutychus started listening to the sermon, but he could not endure listening to the entire sermon. However, he remained there. He did not go back to his room to sleep. God raised him from the dead even though he fell asleep during a sermon. Sleeping in a sermon denoted that his faith had reached the last point. God fills for you the remaining part when your faith has reached the last point.  

When you do not understand a subject in class and you want to pass in that subject, do your best to study it. When the test comes and you have not been able to understand it properly, God will fill in the remaining part. This principle applies in everything that you do. When Daniel could not understand the vision, he prayed, and he diligently searched for the meaning. After his efforts were fruitless, the angel came to explain to him the meaning of the vision.  

God came through for Eutychus when his faith had reached the last point, and He will come through for you and me too. Eutychus was in the right place and the right place is being in the presence of God. There are never-ending blessings when you are in the presence of God (the right place). Eutychus’ experience, though brief, serves as a testament to the miraculous works performed by faith in the early church. How many people do you personally know who have been raised from the dead? By the little faith he had of attending Paul’s sermon, Eutychus obtained a good report.  

Jason 

Jason, a believer in Thessalonica, showed faith by welcoming Paul and Silas into his home, even when a mob attacked his house in search of them. He was dragged before city officials and faced persecution because of his association with the apostles (Acts 17:5-9 KJ21). His faith and willingness to suffer for the gospel earned him a commendable reputation among the early Christians. 

Gaius 

Gaius, mentioned by Paul as his host during his stay in Corinth, was known for his hospitality and faithfulness. He is also commended by John in his third epistle for his love and support of the brethren, particularly in welcoming traveling missionaries (3 John 1:5-8 KJ21). Gaius’ generosity and faith in action earned him a good reputation as a beloved brother in the faith. 

Onesimus 

Onesimus was a runaway slave who became a believer through Paul’s ministry. Paul appealed to Philemon, Onesimus’ master, to receive him back not just as a slave, but as a beloved brother in Christ (Philemon 1:10-16 KJ21). Onesimus’ transformation from a fugitive to a faithful brother in Christ earned him a good reputation as an example of the redeeming power of the gospel. 

The Household of Stephanas 

The household of Stephanas was among the first, if not the first, to convert to Christianity in Achaia, and they devoted themselves to serving the saints (1 Corinthians 16:15 KJ21). Their faith and commitment to the work of the Lord earned them a good reputation as devoted servants in the early church. 

Archippus 

Archippus was a fellow worker mentioned by Paul, who encouraged him to “take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfill it” (Colossians 4:17 KJ21). His faith and dedication to his ministry earned him a commendation from Paul and a good reputation. 

Tryphena and Tryphosa 

These two women, mentioned by Paul in his letter to the Romans, are commended for their hard work in the Lord (Romans 16:12 KJ21). Their faith and dedication to serving the church earned them recognition and respect. 

The Faithful in Colossae 

Paul commended the believers in Colossae for their faith in Christ Jesus and their love for all the saints, which was evidenced by the hope laid up for them in heaven (Colossians 1:4-5 KJ21). Their faith and love earned them a good reputation among the churches. 

The Church in Thessalonica 

The believers in Thessalonica were known for their faith, love, and endurance in the face of persecution. Paul praised them for becoming a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia, as their faith in God had become known everywhere (1 Thessalonians 1:6-8 KJ21). Their steadfast faith and witness earned them a strong reputation in the early church. 

Trophimus 

Trophimus was a companion of Paul, mentioned as being with him during his travels. Despite facing illness, Trophimus continued to serve faithfully (2 Timothy 4:20 KJ21). His dedication and perseverance in the face of hardship earned him recognition in Paul’s letters. 

Phoebe 

Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea, is commended by Paul for her service and support of many, including Paul himself (Romans 16:1-2 KJ21). Her faith, generosity, and leadership earned her a good reputation as a valued member of the early church. 

The Church in Philippi 

Paul frequently expressed his deep affection and gratitude for the believers in Philippi, praising their partnership in the gospel from the first day until now (Philippians 1:5 KJ21). Their faith, generosity, and unwavering support for Paul’s ministry earned them a cherished place in the apostle’s heart and a good reputation. 

We have looked at the lives of various people in the Bible who obtained a good reputation by faith. There are also some people who are not mentioned in the Bible that have obtained a good reputation through faith.  

They are: 

Ellen Gould White 

Ellen G. White is best known as one of the founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Her writings and spiritual leadership helped guide and shape the Adventist movement and largely the Christian movement. She received visions from God, emphasizing health reform, education, evangelism, character, family relations and preparation for the second coming of Christ, among other topics. She had very minimal formal schooling as she did not go past the third grade.  

However, God used her tremendously. She wrote around 25,000,000 words. Her writings have great wisdom. God worked through her by inspiring her missionary work. All she had to do was to yield to God’s control and allow the power of God to work in her and enable her to move by faith.  

Her devotion to living a Christ-centered life and reliance on divine inspiration helped her gain a stupendous reputation. Her book The Great Controversy and other writings remain influential in Christian thought. Thus, by faith, Ellen Gould White obtained a good reputation.  

James White 

James White, the husband of Ellen G. White, was a co-founder of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He worked tirelessly as a preacher, publisher, and leader within the movement. James White demonstrated his faith by being a diligent worker in spreading the message of the soon return of Jesus. His leadership in organizing the Adventist movement into a formal denomination reflected his strong faith in God’s guidance. 

William Miller 

William Miller was a Baptist preacher who is best known for leading the Millerite movement, which anticipated the return of Jesus Christ in 1844. His careful study of the Bible led him to predict the Second Advent. 

Though his prediction did not materialize as expected (leading to what is known as “The Great Disappointment”), his faith in the Bible and its prophecies led many to deeper biblical study, laying the groundwork for future religious movements, including the Seventh-day Adventists. Through faith, William obtained a tremendous reputation.  

Martin Luther (the Protestant Reformer) 

Martin Luther was a German monk and theologian who initiated the Protestant Reformation. His faith in salvation through grace alone and his commitment to biblical truths led him to challenge the Roman Catholic Church’s teachings, especially regarding indulgences. His bold action of posting the 95 Theses and standing firm at the Diet of Worms established his reputation as a man of faith who reformed Christianity by making the Bible accessible to all believers. 

Dr. Ben Carson 

Dr. Ben Carson is a renowned neurosurgeon and public figure who credits his medical achievements and life success to his faith in God. He became famous for performing pioneering surgeries, such as the first successful separation of conjoined twins at the head. 

Throughout his career, Carson has spoken openly about how prayer and reliance on God’s wisdom have guided him in difficult surgeries and life decisions. This has caused him to gain a reputation as a man of faith who believed that with God, all things are possible. 

Nick Vujicic 

Nick Vujicic is an evangelist and motivational speaker born without limbs. Despite his physical challenges, his faith in God’s purpose for his life has enabled him to inspire millions around the world. 

Nick’s powerful message that faith in Jesus Christ brings joy and purpose in life’s hardships has earned him widespread respect. He has shared how his personal relationship with Jesus enabled him to overcome despair and live a life of meaning and service. 

Reuben Kigame 

Reuben Kigame is a well-known Kenyan gospel musician, songwriter, worship leader, and social activist. He is recognized not only for his music career but also for his advocacy on issues such as governance, education, disability rights, and Christian values. Born in 1966, Kigame lost his sight at the age of three due to a medical condition, but this did not deter him from pursuing his passions and using his talents to make a significant impact in Kenya and beyond. 

Reuben Kigame is one of Kenya’s most respected gospel musicians, known for his worship songs that have touched the hearts of many across the country. His music blends African rhythms with Christian themes, focusing on faith, hope, and the goodness of God. Some of his popular songs include “Enda Nasi,” “Wewe Watosha,” “When I was a boy,” “Another country,” “Who will help the refugees?”, and “Msaada Wangu” among many others.  

John C. Maxwell 

John C. Maxwell is a well-known leadership expert, author, and pastor. His Christian faith underpins much of his teaching on leadership, integrity, and personal development. Maxwell has gained a good reputation by combining biblical principles with leadership strategies. His books, like “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership,” “The 15 Laws of Growth,” “The 17 laws of Teamwork,” “Failing Forward,” “Today Matters,” “The 16 Laws of Communication,” and “Jesus the High Road Leader,” among others incorporate values that reflect his Christian worldview and faith-driven approach to success. 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Baptist minister and civil rights leader. His faith in God and belief in the biblical teachings of justice, peace, and love motivated him to lead the fight for civil rights in the United States. King’s belief in nonviolence, inspired by the teachings of Jesus, and his reliance on prayer and scripture in times of trial helped him gain a global reputation as a Christian leader dedicated to equality and human dignity. 

John D. Rockefeller 

John D. Rockefeller, who is known as the richest man who ever lived in modern history, was a devout Christian who believed in the importance of giving back to society. His faith led him to use his vast wealth for philanthropic causes. He gained a reputation for his charitable works, founding institutions like the University of Chicago and Rockefeller Foundation. His philanthropy was rooted in his belief that wealth was a gift from God to be used for the betterment of humanity. 

Colonel Sanders 

Colonel Harland Sanders, the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), is another individual who gained a good reputation for his faith in God. Though he faced many setbacks in life, he always credited God for his eventual success. Sanders was known for openly acknowledging his Christian faith and was baptized later in life. I saw him in a media interview emphasizing on returning tithe to God. His persistence and trust in God despite early failures made him a symbol of how faith can lead to eventual success and fulfillment. 

Thomas Sankara 

Thomas Sankara, who served as the President of Burkina Faso from 1983 to 1987, is renowned for his revolutionary leadership and visionary reforms. Here’s how Sankara earned his good reputation: 

Commitment to Revolutionary Ideals 

Anti-Imperialism and Independence: Sankara was a strong advocate for national sovereignty and resistance against colonial and neo-colonial influence. He believed in the importance of Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta) asserting its own path and resisting external interference. 

Self-Reliance: His philosophy emphasized the need for Africa to rely on its own resources and capabilities. Sankara promoted self-sufficiency and economic independence, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign aid and support local development. 

Social and Economic Reforms 

Land Reforms: Sankara’s government implemented land reforms to redistribute land from traditional elites and promote agricultural productivity. This aimed to empower rural farmers and reduce economic inequalities. 

Education and Health: Sankara prioritized education and healthcare, leading initiatives to improve literacy rates, particularly among women, and to expand access to healthcare services. His policies included vaccination programs and health education campaigns. 

Women’s Rights: Sankara was a vocal advocate for gender equality. His government implemented policies to improve the status of women, including promoting women to leadership positions and supporting women’s rights in education and employment. 

Anti-Corruption and Integrity 

Fighting Corruption: Sankara was known for his commitment to combating corruption and promoting transparency within the government. He rejected the lavish lifestyle of previous leaders and lived modestly, setting an example for public service. 

Personal Integrity: His personal integrity and dedication to his principles earned him respect. Sankara’s refusal to engage in corrupt practices or seek personal gain reflected his commitment to the revolutionary ideals he championed. 

Pan-Africanism and Global Solidarity 

Pan-Africanism: Sankara was a strong supporter of Pan-Africanism and sought to foster solidarity among African nations. He worked to build alliances with other African leaders and support liberation movements across the continent. 

Global Advocacy: On the international stage, Sankara spoke out against global injustices and the exploitation of developing countries. He used his platform to advocate for fair trade practices and the rights of poorer nations. 

Legacy and Influence 

Inspirational Leadership: Despite his relatively short time in power, Sankara’s visionary leadership left a lasting impact. He inspired many with his ideas on self-reliance, social justice, and resistance to oppression. 

Martyrdom and Memory: Sankara’s assassination in 1987 did not diminish his legacy. He is remembered as a martyr who stood firmly for his principles and is often celebrated for his commitment to improving the lives of his people. 

Thomas Sankara earned his good reputation through faith. He had an unwavering commitment to revolutionary ideals, social justice, and anti-imperialism. His leadership in implementing progressive reforms, combating corruption, and advocating for Pan-Africanism made a significant impact on Burkina Faso and inspired many across Africa and across the world. 

John Pombe Magufuli 

John Pombe Magufuli, who served as the President of Tanzania from 2015 to 2021, was known for a number of significant achievements and reforms during his tenure. Here are some key accomplishments: 

Anti-Corruption Efforts 

Crackdown on Corruption: Magufuli gained a reputation for his strong stance against corruption. He implemented various measures to combat corruption within the government and public sector, including the dismissal of high-ranking officials accused of corruption. 

Public Sector Reforms: His administration took steps to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies and cut unnecessary expenses, such as reducing lavish government spending and curbing corruption in government contracts. 

Infrastructure Development 

Road Construction: Magufuli’s government invested heavily in infrastructure projects, including the construction and improvement of roads, bridges, and highways. Notable projects included the expansion of the Central Railway Line and the construction of the Dodoma to Dar es Salaam Highway. 

Port Development: His administration worked on enhancing the capacity of the Dar es Salaam port, aiming to improve the efficiency of trade and logistics. 

Education and Health Reforms 

Education: Magufuli’s government prioritized the construction of new schools and the provision of free education for primary and secondary students. Efforts were made to improve access to education and reduce dropout rates. 

Healthcare: His administration increased funding for the healthcare sector and worked on expanding access to healthcare services, including the construction of new health facilities and improvement of existing ones. 

Economic Growth 

Economic Development: Magufuli focused on stimulating economic growth through various initiatives, including the promotion of local industries and the improvement of the business environment. His policies aimed at reducing Tanzania’s dependency on foreign aid and fostering self-sufficiency. 

Environmental and Resource Management 

Magufuli’s government took steps to improve the management of natural resources, including the mining sector. He sought to increase the government’s share of revenues from mineral resources and implemented reforms to enhance transparency in the sector. 

Governance and Administrative Reforms 

Magufuli’s administration worked to streamline government operations and reduce waste. For example, he introduced measures to improve efficiency in public services and reduce unnecessary bureaucratic red tape. 

Public Engagement 

Magufuli was known for his hands-on approach and often visited government offices and public facilities unannounced to ensure they were operating effectively. This approach was intended to address inefficiencies and improve service delivery. 

John Magufuli’s presidency was marked by a strong emphasis on anti-corruption, infrastructure development, and economic growth. His efforts in infrastructure and governance reforms had a significant impact on Tanzania’s development. He believed in the possibility of a prosperous Tanzania. His faith earned him a good reputation as one of Africa’s best presidents.  

Patrice Lumumba 

Lumumba’s unwavering belief in the right of the Congolese people to self-determination and independence drove his political activism. As the first Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he worked towards ending colonial rule and promoting national unity. 

Despite facing considerable opposition and political challenges, Lumumba’s commitment to his ideals and his vision for a free and prosperous Congo earned him a lasting legacy as a symbol of resistance against colonial oppression. Lumumba’s advocacy for Pan-Africanism and his efforts to foster unity among African nations highlighted his faith in collective strength and solidarity across the continent. 

Nelson Mandela 

Nelson Mandela’s steadfast belief in the principles of equality and justice drove his fight against apartheid in South Africa. Despite enduring 27 years of imprisonment, he remained committed to his cause, believing that justice and reconciliation were possible. 

After his release, Mandela became South Africa’s first black president and worked tirelessly to heal the nation and promote racial reconciliation. His faith in the power of forgiveness and unity played a crucial role in transforming South Africa’s socio-political landscape. 

Mandela’s personal sacrifice and dedication to the greater good earned him immense respect. His willingness to forgive his oppressors and his efforts to build a democratic South Africa reflect his deep faith in human dignity and justice.  

Renowned Kenyan Journalist Jeff Koinange while talking about Nelson Mandela, he mentioned him as a man who many consider a living saint (at that time Nelson Mandela was still alive). Reggae musician Orville Richard Burrell alias Shaggy has said in several interviews that when he met Nelson Mandela, he felt that he was interacting with someone divine. He said Mandela was the closest thing he had seen to a god. He said when he met the Pope and the Queen (Queen Elizabeth), he did not feel like that. Mandela believed in a South Africa that was free from discrimination. He served almost three decades in prison because of his belief. By faith, Nelson Mandela obtained a good reputation.   

Jesus 

Jesus Christ is always doing great things to us ever since human beings were created. His act of creating us is an act of love. He died on the cross because he had faith that it is possible for us to get saved.  

Jesus did many great things. Jesus mentored people (commissioning of the disciples in Matthew 10:1-8, Mark 3:13-19, Mark 6:7-13, Luke 9:1-6, Luke 6:12-16, Acts 1:8)), leading by example. He Performed Miracles. He preached God’s Word. He did God the Father’s will (John 6:38). He changed water into wine (John 2:1-11). He cured the nobleman’s son (John 4:46-47). Jesus enabled the disciples to catch a great haul of fish (Luke 5:1-11). 

Jesus cast out an unclean spirit (Mark 1:23-26). He healed Peter’s mother-in-law (Matthew 8:14-15). He healed a leper (Mark 1:40-45). He healed a paralytic (Mark 2:1-12). He healed a man with a withered hand (Matthew 12:9-13). He raised a widow’s son from the dead (Luke 7:11-17). He calmed a storm on the sea (Matthew 8:23-27).  

Jesus healed a woman with an issue of blood (Matthew 9:20-22). He raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead (Matthew 9:18-26). He healed two blind men (Matthew 9:27-31). He cast out a mute demon (Matthew 9:32-33). He fed five thousand people with five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21). 

Jesus walked on water (Matthew 14:22-33). He healed a girl possessed by a demon (Matthew 15:21-28). He healed a deaf and mute man (Mark 7:31-37). He fed four thousand people with seven loaves and a few fish (Matthew 15:32-39). He healed a blind man at Bethsaida (Mark 8:22-26).  

Jesus did various miracles on the Sabbath because the Sabbath day is a day of rest and one who is disturbed is not able to rest. Thus, He healed various people on Sabbath so that they could have rest. 

Some of the miracles He did on Sabbath were:  

He cast out an unclean spirit from a man in the synagogue (Mark 1:21-28; Luke 4:31-37). He healed Peter’s mother-in-law who had a fever (Matthew 8:14-15; Mark 1:29-31; Luke 4:38-39). 

Jesus healed a man with a withered hand in the synagogue (Matthew 12:9-13; Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-11). He healed a lame man by the pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem (John 5:1-18). He healed a crippled woman in the synagogue (Luke 13:10-17). He healed a man with dropsy in the house of a Pharisee (Luke 14:1-6). He healed a man born blind by making mud and anointing his eyes (John 9:1-7, 14). 

John 21:25 (KJ21) – “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.” 

Jesus did many other wonderful and miraculous things that were not listed in the Bible. Only a few of the things He did were selected and written. John says that if they were to list all, the books would be too many to fit in the world.  

While on this earth as a human being, Jesus did no sin but He was made sin so that we could be saved from sin.  

Philippians 2:8-11 (KJ21) – “⁸ And being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. ⁹ Therefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name, ¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in Heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, ¹¹ and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” 

God the Father exalted Jesus and gave Him a name above every name that at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow. By faith, Jesus Himself obtained a good reputation.  

Each of these individuals gained a good reputation through their faith by consistently living out their beliefs and trusting God in their personal, professional, and spiritual journeys. Whether through leadership, charity, perseverance, or innovation, their faith was central to their accomplishments and legacy.  

The people mentioned were not perfect; some made what can be considered as big mistakes, like Solomon who began worshiping idols. Abraham, who is acknowledged as the father of faith, made mistakes too. He lied that Sarah was his sister and he agreed to have a child with Haggar which was against God’s will.  

Those sinful actions Abraham did showed a lack of faith, but he is still called the father of faith. Those men and women who realized their mistakes and went back to God were forgiven because God is good, and His mercy endures forever (Psalm 100:5). Reading from all these examples, it is without doubt that the best way to obtain a great reputation is by faith. The only way to obtain a greater than great reputation is by having faith in the Most High God.  

Hebrews 11:2 (KJ21) – “For by it the elders obtained a good report.” 

Hebrews 11:2 (AMP) – “For by this [kind of] faith the men of old gained [divine] approval.” 

Hebrews 11:2 (NLT) – “Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.” 

Hebrews 11:2 (MSG) – “The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.” 

GOD BLESS YOU! 

Prayer 

Dear God, I thank You for the lessons that I have learned about these great people. Truly it is faith that makes people obtain a good reputation. Help me to have faith in You always and fill in for me where my faith in You runs short. Please help me to conduct the assignment that You have given me with diligence and faith. In Jesus name, Amen.  

Activity 

1. Which Biblical figure listed stood out the most to you? Why did they stand out?  

2. Which non-Biblical figure stood out the most to you? Why did they stand out? 

3. List the outstanding righteous character traits that you have picked from these great people that you would like to emulate.  

4. What assignment has God given you? Ask God to guide you on how to do it in the best possible way.  

5. Make a daily prayer to God to boost your faith.  

6. List the evil generational patterns in your family and pray against them.  

7. List the good generational patterns in your family and pray that you have them as well.  

Author: Mark Alex   

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