List one: Oprah, Jochebed, TomKat, Solomon, Brittney, Manasseh. List two: Manchester United, Hittites, Celtics, Babylonians, Yankees, Philistines. Which of these are household names in many parts of the world today? Which are you more familiar with?

You may have  recognized Oprah (Winfrey), TomKat (Tom Cruise/Katie Holmes), and Brittney (Spears). You may have, however, struggled to grasp the significance of the names Jochebed, Solomon, and Manasseh.

Manchester United, the Celtics, and the Yankees have all won multiple championship sports titles. But what about the Hittites, Babylonians, and Philistines? Did you know they play a prominent role in biblical history and that they were part of some of the most important and fascinating “contests” ever to take place?

There are hundreds of colorful Bible stories of heroes and villains that are exciting to study. There are also the stories of people known for their faith (Hebrews 11:2). Since I’m currently living in Uganda-home to the source of the Nile River-Jochebed’s story quickly comes to mind. This Old Testament character took her 3-month-old son in a basket and set him among the weeds in the snake- and crocodile-infested Nile (Exodus 2:1-3). What Jochebed did demonstrated extraordinary trust in God’s love and provision. Her risk saved her son Moses’ life. He went on to be used by God to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (3:10).

Jochebed and her husband were awarded a place in the prestigious Hebrews 11 “Hall of Faith” (v.23), due to their decision to ignore the murderous edicts of their earthly king. They trusted in their heavenly Father instead.

God’s Word shines the spotlight on hundreds of people whose faith once shone bright. What will your “example of faith” speak to future generations?