Hebrews 11 - The Hall of Faith
All Scripture is God-breathed and useful, but there are some Scriptures that we can consider the Himalayan mountaintops of the Bible. In the next few months, we will be looking at a series of great texts that inspire and move us - the "Himalayan Heights" of God's Word.
Today's Reading: Hebrews 11
If you have time, read the entire chapter, Hebrews 11. Our key passage today is verses 20-22, and you should spend time focusing and meditating on those verses.
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and he worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, as he was nearing the end of his life, mentioned the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions concerning his bones.
Through the Bible Readings: 1 Samuel 19-20, Luke 19:1–27, Psalm 55:1–4, Proverbs 12:1-2
If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings.
Devotional: Facing Forward
The Patriarchs of Israel were men of faith - flawed men who failed often, who demonstrated great holes in their character that caused many problems, but men of faith nonetheless. They remind us that God chooses us based on his grace, not our merit and that he uses even flawed people to accomplish his work.
In this short segment of the Faith Chapter, we see a specific focus. Faith is a forward focus, a belief that God is going to do something great in the future. Have you ever noticed how often Christians live their lives looking backward, as if they were trying to drive using only their rearview mirrors? "Things just aren't like they used to be." "I wish we could go back to the good old days." With the eyes of nostalgia, we paint the past in rosy colors and see nothing but dark and dread in the future.
Isaac blessed Jacob concerning things to come - by faith. Jacob, by faith, blessed his children. Joseph, as he was dying, looked forward to the day when the captivity in Egypt would be over and God would deliver his people. Faith in a God who created the world, who controls the world, and who is governing the affairs of the world caused them to look forward to his activity in their lives with optimism and hope.
Those who walk in faith do not simply look at the past, but face the future with hope. They know that the Lord who saved them is "the same yesterday, today, and forever." They know that the God who did great things in days gone by is still alive and powerful today. He is at work in his people. We need not walk in fear or assume the worst because our God is in control.
In faith, we face forward in confidence, knowing that our God reigns and his power will see us through every trial, every obstacle, and every opposition.
Father, I thank you that I can look forward to a future being held in your hands! The past has been good, but the future is bright because your power and love never fail.
Think and Pray:
Do you have a tendency to face life looking in your rearview mirror?
Do you have confidence in God to see you through life's challenges, or do you shrink back in fear?
Do you have confidence in God to see you through life's challenges, or do you shrink back in fear?
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