Hebrews 11
We have been meditating upon Hebrews 11 verse 1 and the concept of faith. We have looked at an ‘unprecedented’ event which we are faced with today and ‘unreliable’ information around us. But at the same time, we have been encouraged by what we can rely on, that is the Word of God. Faith, in every believer, gives us this confidence (substance) which is based upon the person of the Lord Jesus and His accomplished work at Calvary. We hope for eternal things that we do not see with our physical eyes as our faith is in our Lord. We now come to how we evidence (prove) it.
… the evidence of things not seen.
We evidence this by the way that we conduct ourselves in these challenging times. Again, Romans 8 verse 25 would be suitable verses to consider in these circumstances, ‘if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it’. Also Paul would encourage the Corinthians to look at things not seen and those which are eternal (2 Corinthians 4 verse 18, 5 verse 7).
The world may feel that ‘unrealistic’ expectations are placed on them during these times. This may be partly true as they are unsure of how to conduct themselves; or they are expected to conduct themselves in ways that bring hardship and suffering. The writer to the Hebrews, inspired by the Holy Ghost, has given certain examples to help us with this.
In Abel, we can see the need to offer ‘a more excellent sacrifice’ to God (Hebrews 11 verse 4). When we are socially distanced and self-isolating, we can be sure of One who will never leave us (Hebrews 13 verse 5). We can offer the fruit of our lips as a sweet sacrifice to Him (Hebrews 13 verse15). He is closer than a friend and is able and willing to meet our needs.
In Enoch, we see the need to ‘please’ God. It is impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11 verse 6). The writer to the Hebrews uses this word three times in chapters 11 and 13. By doing good and communicating, we can please God. Interestingly, the word used for communication is the Greek word ‘Koinonia’ meaning fellowship. We still have fellowship with one another by communicating, meeting each other’s needs and caring for each other. We please God by having faith in Him and that He rewards those that ‘diligently seek Him’ (scrutinize, seek out, investigate). We know more of Him from His word.
In Noah, we see the need for ‘fear’ of God (Hebrews 11 verse 7). God is a consuming fire and every believer approaches God with reverence and fear. He is not a destroying fire but a fire that purifies and makes us whole. Moses was commanded not to draw near, and to take off his shoes (Exodus 3 verse 5) as he was standing on holy ground. Joshua was commanded to loosen his shoe by the captain (prince) of the host of the Lord (Joshua 5 verse 15). We believe that they are pre-incarnation appearances of our Lord and one must approach Him with holy fear. One of the earliest signs of backsliding is the lack of fear when approaching a holy God.
In Abraham, we see the need for ‘obedience’ to God (Hebrews 11 verse 8). God has made it very clear, through His word, His standards and what He expects of us. There is the need to obey what is said in the scriptures. The only way we would know of what God wants us to do is to read His word. Many in the world may feel bored being in lockdown, but what a privilege it is to the child of God to have extra opportunities to read His word, seek to understand it and obey it.
For the believer, these expectations are not ‘unrealistic’. We can be sure of them, know the truth of them and be convicted of them from His Word
Finally, we come to the ‘unknown’ future the world is looking forward to. There is the unknown number of deaths in various countries, uncertainty about the economic downturn and unknowns about the consequences and possibility of a recurrence of a pandemic. Beloved, how different it is for us as believers. Our future is KNOWN. This is not just a future whilst we are here on this earth but for eternity.
All the Old Testament examples we have considered ‘died in (according to) faith’ (Hebrews 11 verse13). Even though they did not receive the promises, they were ‘persuaded’ (received) of them and ‘embraced them’ (received joyfully). What examples they were to us of faith and what a contrast for the world, but what a truth for the believer. This is the truth that every believer in Christ has, as we stand on His work and not on anything that we do. Our Forerunner is now our great High Priest (Hebrews 4 verse 14). He has dealt with our sins by His precious blood, conquered death and the grave and is now the Man in the glory.
So we can be assured that the word of God is reliable, the expectations of us are realistic and our future is known and secure in His hands. May these times of trials encourage us to spend more time with Him, learn His word, rely on Him and look forward to a glorious future. Amen.
Christo