Today's Scripture
Living by faith – Hebrews 11:1-16
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. 3 By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.
The Examples of Abel, Enoch, and Noah
4 By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain’s. Through this he received approval as righteous, God himself giving approval to his gifts; he died, but through his faith he still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken so that he did not experience death; and “he was not found, because God had taken him.” For it was attested before he was taken away that “he had pleased God.” 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. 7 By faith Noah, warned by God about events as yet unseen, respected the warning and built an ark to save his household; by this he condemned the world and became an heir to the righteousness that is in accordance with faith.
The Faith of Abraham
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11 By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, “as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.”
13 All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, 14 for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.
RJ's Devotion
What does the passage say?
V. 1-3 The definition of faith. It is the promise of the unseen. It should be based on the word.
V. 4-7 Faithful patriarch before Abraham.
V. 8-12 Abraham’s faith
V. 13-16 All that these patriarchs held onto was not revealed during their lifetime, but they still believed.
What does this passage mean to me/us?
Hebrews 11 shares an important insight about faith. Faith is holding on the assurance of the unseen/ future. However, the faith has to be based on what God is promising, not what we would like. Faith is an obedience to God’s way, which pleases God. The Message Bible says, ” It’s impossible to please God apart from faith. And why? Because anyone who wants to approach God must believe both that he exists and that he cares enough to respond to those who seek him” (v. 6 The Message). Abraham’s faith exemplifies what is it to remain obedience without seeing the end result. We live in a time where we look for instant gratification. Remember, Abramah waited his entire life for God’s promise to build a nation through him, but did not see it till his death, but still remained faithful. The Message Bible says, “Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing” (v.13 The Message).
Jesus says this to Thomas when he did not believe Jesus’ resurrection till he saw it with his own eyes; “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe.”
Prayer
Lord, give us the faith to believe without seeing. So we may share the faith with others to believe.
In Christ Name, AMEN.
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