Hebrews 11:1-16
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Today we read Hebrews Chapter 11, which is a great reflection of the faith of our spiritual ancestors in the Old Testament! Some call this chapter the "Hall of Faith" - as in the Hall of Fame. :) I would encourage you to read this chapter entirely today – and again tomorrow in its entirety. Chapter 11 opens with this critically important verse for us to memorize and take to heart: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Are you sure of what you hope for? Are you certain of what you do not see? As you read through this chapter, do you see the value in the faith of our spiritual ancestors? In what area of your life might God be calling you to step forward in faith?
Enoch in verse 5 is an intriguing example of faith coming from Genesis chapter 5's genealogy from Adam to Noah (see Genesis 5:24 at this link): "It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying—"he disappeared, because God took him." For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God." Below is a painting of Enoch being taken up to heaven by the Italian painter Sebastiano Ricci (1659-1734):
Verses 13 through 16 I think are four of the most amazing verses we've read in Hebrews and I think each of us should really meditate on what these verses might mean in our lives today: "All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." What do you think of these verses? If these heroes of our faith died still believing what God promised them - even though they did not receive what was promised here on earth - do you think that perhaps you and I should always be faithful in our lives to God no matter what we may think we're not "receiving" here on earth? If we're not receiving perfect health. If we're not receiving a perfect job. If we're not receiving a perfect family. If we're not receiving a perfect mental state. If not, if not, if not.... will we still believe what God promised us? Will we still believe that God is not ashamed to be called our God? Will we still believe that God has prepared a heavenly city for us? Let us believe!
Worship Video: Today's readings reminded me of Third Day's fantastic song "King of Glory"! Below is a live version of this song. Watch this to the 2:15 remaining mark to hear Mac Powell leading an awesome reflection/prayer on the power of Jesus' name. Who is this King of Glory!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ExnRvGk9ZA
Do you know the King of Glory? Click here for Glory!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Prayer Point: Pray that you are living by faith. Pray that you are sure of what you hope for. Pray that you are certain of what you do not see. Pray that you are living by faith in Christ alone!
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you from today's readings? Please post up by clicking on the "Comments" link below!
Grace, love, peace, and joy!
Mike
p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!
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