Thursday, November 12

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2020

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see....  And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." (Hebrews 11:1,6)

In Hebrews 11, the writer introduces us to the Hall of Faith, pointing out the testimony of God's and human faithfulness in the Old Testament.  Through each of the characters, we see an expectant longing, looking forward to the great fulfillment that we, as the Church, have received:  "For he [Abraham] was looking forward to a city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God....  All these people were. Still living by faith when they died.  They did not receive them things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth."

Remembering back to our study earlier this year on 1 Peter, the Church may carry a similar mentality through our own lives.  We are exiles, living in a country not our own.  We live in this world, but our Kingdom is not of this world.  Our citizenship lies in heaven, not here.

Hebrews notes that faith involves "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."  Many times, faith can seem ethereal, intangible.  Yet, our faith is not in faith itself, but rather the Object of faith, God Himself.  God brings revelation of Himself through nature, through His Word, and by His Holy Spirit.  Our part involves opening our hearts, minds, and eyes to receive what He wishes to reveal to us.

Hebrews and other New Testament letters make clear that faith grows when we earnestly seek God.  An extremely powerful prayer might include this line:  "God, please reveal Yourself more deeply to me; I want to know You better."  I have always found Him to be faithful to the promise of Hebrews 11:6, and the reward of His fuller revelation is itself increased faith and confidence in God Himself.

One other observation:  The heroes in this Hall of Faith could not have continued in what were sometimes treacherous journeys if they were not confident of God's walking beside them.  The enduring presence and friendship of God keeps us walking towards Him.  He strengthens our faith through that presence.  How have you experienced His presence recently?

Lord God, thank You for being the rightful Object of our faith.  Thank You for increasing our faith through a fuller revelation of Your character and deeds.  Help us to know You better today and to remove any distractions towards that goal.  Deepen our confidence as we sense Your enduring presence and friendship.  In Jesus's mighty Name, amen.

"Open the Eyes of My Heart":  https://youtu.be/ViBNqNukgzE