Rēad to Read …Again
Daily Reading: Hebrews 11-13
Hebrews 11:1-2
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report.
Faith is easy when things are good, when things are understandable, when things of this life are stress free. But add uncertainty to life, or the inability to figure out what God is doing, or why He is doing it; that is the time one’s faith is tested. In Hebrews 11 some of the great heroes of the faith are listed with their great acts of faith. Through their acts of faith, they obtained a good report of both God and all that know their stories. They had a faith of substance, a faith fixed on evidence. Not substances that could be identified, or evidence that could be seen, but rather of the invisible testimony of God’s Word to them. Based on His Word and His Word alone, these elders believed God and were rewarded for that belief.
Remember, the teachings found in the book of Hebrews primarily were preparing those Jewish believers for the coming overthrow of Jerusalem. This is why verses like Hebrews 13:14 are included in this book, For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. God was preparing their faith for that which would come. Likewise, Hebrews is for every child of God who will suffer an overthrow of all they can see, depend upon, and count on. Things like having enough money, then not having enough money, or having strength then becoming weak, or when personality alone is not enough, or their intellect being found to be insufficient to understand; death, persecutions, heartaches, and manifold temptations. These challenge faith. Test faith. They, and so many other life issues like them, either confirm faith in a life or expose a lack of, or less than sufficient, faith.
Verses like those found throughout chapter eleven are given to influence all who have their faith challenged to live faithfully. Consider six golden nuggets about faith sprinkled throughout this great book.
Hebrews 6:12
That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
Hebrews 10:22
Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Hebrews 10:38
Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 13:7
Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.
Make no doubt, every person’s faith is tested in some measure. When this testing comes, read, and re-read Hebrews. It was written to assist believers in times of great crisis.
Dr. William T. Howe
Commentaires