Hebrews 11 | What's the connection?

The hall of faith gives us something incredibly unique. It gives us a history of like-minded individuals that precede our time. They laid the foundation for what belief looks like. The author of Hebrews is recognizing this and presenting it to the reader to reframe their perspective of their current circumstances. It ought to stir the same up in us as well.

We begin early on remembering Abel. Surely we have all heard the story. What is Abel famous for? In our minds, he is famous for being killed by his brother Cain. Hebrews highlights the fame of Abel's sacrifice. It was offered by faith. Enoch was taken up into heaven, not having tasted death. Noah was moved to prepare an ark that ultimately bought the salvation for mankind. Abraham and Sarah believed and received a child and then Abraham offered up Isaac believing the Lord would raise him up from the dead. Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau. Jacob blessed the sons of Joseph. Joseph exhorted the children of Israel and instructed what to do with his own bones. Moses was hidden, joined his people in their affliction, forsook Egypt, kept the Passover, and led Israel to their victory. By faith, Israel conquered Jericho in the most absurd way. Rahab the harlot protected the spies and was spared. The prophets, the judges, and even David lived by faith.

All of the above connections sprawl across the Old Testament. I would strongly encourage just reading through each of the mentioned accounts. All of those that the reader would look up to as heroes in their faith all had a common quality. They believed. They held on to their belief. And even when the trials came and they weren't seeing the full fruition of what was yet to come, they still held on to belief. Faith is not defined by its consequences, whether good or bad. Just as it was said from the start of Hebrews 11, faith is the substance of things hoped for. It is evidenced in all those to held on before us.

What connection are you seeing?