FAITH
IN PERSPECTIVE
Hebrews
11
In Hebrews chapter eleven it is evident that
each historical incident mentioned is designed to give an example of Biblical
faith. The essence of faith, however,
never changes. It is always the
same. Faith is believing the revelation
that God has given at any point is history (11:1, 6). Faith is not a leap in the dark, rather faith is a step in the
light. The accomplishments of faith may
be different in each case as seen in this passage.
In some instances God’s
purposes were accomplished and He was glorified through the faith of His people
when they actually believed that He would accomplish something in their
lifetime. Some examples would be Noah and
the building of the ark (11:7) and the fall of Jericho (11:30). Others saw God’s purposes accomplished when
His people believed Him for physical deliverance (11:33, 34). On the other hand in some cases God was
glorified to a greater degree in the death of His people as they remained true
to Him in the face of their enemies, even in the ultimate adversity - death
(11:35-37)! In every case the essence
of faith is the same: God’s people
believing Him and trusting that He knows what is best for each of His children
in His plan.
Beloved, how do we see faith as it relates to us in light of the many tests that come our way? If we were asked to give up our homeland for some place completely unknown as Abraham was asked to do, could we do it? How about being asked to give up a loved one as Abraham was also asked to do? How about giving up our own life as many in church history have done? All of these sacrifices were made in faith. However, I sometimes I think that just living by faith on a day-by-day basis in all of the mundanes of life is just as significant as anything else. In fact that’s exactly what God asked us to do. He clearly states that “the just shall live by faith.”
Sometimes the living by faith includes dying – but for the most part, living by faith is in the daily grind that most of us go through – bringing glory to God in the ministry God has given you, or in your various relationships or in your employment. This is really where the rubber meets the road. One of the purposes of Hebrews 11 is to encourage us to move ahead in life. This is clearly seen in light of Hebrews 12:1, 2.
“Therefore,
since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay
aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us
run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus,
the Author and Perfector of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the
cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the Throne of
God.”
Our great incentive is the Lord Jesus Christ.
Beloved, let me encourage you to face each day with this in mind: Jesus has already run the race and has finished with honors. God bless,
Love to you all,