Sunday, September 11
By faith
Scripture: Isaiah 21-22, Proverbs 21, Hebrews 11
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. (CSB)
Hebrews 11:1 Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it. (NCV)
Observation
The author was writing to people whose faith was flagging, and encouraged them to endure and persevere in their faith. To that end, he included this description of faith and examples from the Old Testament. Twenty-one times he says “by faith” and describes the actions of OT heroes.
Faith is the reality of what is hoped for—faith makes our hopes so real, so sure and certain that we act upon them. Faith is the proof of what can’t be seen—faith makes the unseen so real that we act upon it. Faith is believing in God who is unseen, trusting Him and doing what He says.
Application
This reminds me of James’ famous statement about faith and works: faith without works is dead (James 2:14-26). Faith moves us to action. We believe in God and live like it. We believe what God says and do it.
The author piles up examples from the Old Testament. Each of them shows someone acting “by faith”, that is, doing something that was motivated by their faith—often something that was risky and challenging.
Faith that produces no action is weak and dying. How are you living your faith today? What will you do today that is “by faith?”
Prayer: Lord, these examples are inspiring. I would hope that my name could be added to the Hall of Fame of Faith one day! Help me live today by faith.