When most people hear “Chapter 11”, they think of bankruptcy, since Chapter 11 is that part of United States bankruptcy law that allows a business (usually) to reorganize in order to pay back (at least partially) its creditors. When I hear “Chapter 11”, a second meaning comes to mind; I think of Chapter 11, the so-called faith chapter, of the book of Hebrews, which is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. 
 The author starts Chapter 11 with a definition of faith: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” He then gives brief descriptions of the faith based actions of a list of people starting with Abel and ending with the prostitute Rahab; finally, he says that he doesn’t have time to give more examples, but lists a few more only by name (David is one of these). The examples are not chosen by greatness, power or works; for example, Solomon and the building of his magnificent temple are not mentioned, even in passing. The author gives his purpose for the list at the beginning of Chapter 12: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” The imagery is that of a long distance race being run in a large stadium, and it portrays our Christian lives as long distance races as opposed to sprints. The people listed in Chapter 11 are heroes inspiring us to the finish.

  For many years I wondered why the author didn’t include Stephen, who was stoned to death and became the first Christian martyr as one of his examples. Finally, I read a commentary on Hebrews and was humbled when it pointed out that one of the author’s goals was to show that even in the Old Testament righteousness is obtained by faith, and not by works.

 Each time I read Chapter 11, it always makes me think of other people who acted on faith; some are historical like Father Damien or Dietrich Bonhoeffer, while others are ministers, church members, friends or family. They are all important to me, as were those in Chapter 11 to the author of Hebrews, as I try to run my Christian race, and I call them my Chapter 11 Christians. I can’t claim to be a Chapter 11 Christian, but I know that my faith would be even weaker without my faith heroes. I hope that you have your own Chapter 11 Christians helping you endure running your race.
 Read Hebrews 11, and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Jim