July 12, 2021
Scripture: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. …And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. Hebrews 11:1, 39-40
Observation: The administration building at my former seminary has a wide and lighted hallway running through its center. Extending the full length of its walls are photographs and brief bios of Christian leaders from both the seminary and the church worldwide. Students affectionally called it the “Wall of Fame.” These godly men and women were recognized for their faith, for imagining a better future for the next generation and for doing their part to carry forward the vision. This is where the writer of Hebrews is going in chapter 11. After defining faith, he provides numerous examples of men and women who were forward-thinking and willing to risk life and limb. Still, their stalwart demonstrations of faith would never reach the heights of perfection in accomplishing God’s greater purpose of salvation to Jew and Gentile alike. Fortunately, the Object of their faith would incarnate in the fullness of time and perfect the faith of all believers together as one body (12:1-2).
Takeaway: Our faith is built on the shoulders of a great cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1), and together we are perfected in Christ. But apart from him our faith is futile.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for the men and women in whom we have inherited our faith, but most of all for your Son in whom our faith is perfected. Help us to live out our faith together as the body of believers for the sake of future generations. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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