Hebrews 11:1-12 NKJV
11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.
4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.
5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.
This passage stands as a testament to the power of faith and the enduring legacy of those who have gone before us in the journey of faith. These verses serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement as we walk in the footsteps of our spiritual ancestors.
The writer of Hebrews begins by defining faith as the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Faith is not merely a mental ascent to doctrinal truths but a living, active trust in the promises of God. It is the firm conviction that God is faithful to His word, even when circumstances seem contrary.
We hold fast to the doctrine of justification by faith alone. We recognize that our righteousness before God is not based on our own merits but on the finished work of Christ on the cross. Therefore, our faith is anchored in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the author and perfecter of our faith.
The writer then proceeds to illustrate the power of faith through the examples of our spiritual ancestors. From Abel’s offering to Abraham’s obedience, from Sarah’s conception to Isaac’s blessing, we see faith in action, producing fruitfulness and blessing in the lives of God’s people.
These examples serve as a reminder that faith is not passive but active. It moves us to obedience, even when the path seems uncertain. It empowers us to trust in God’s promises, even when they seem impossible. And it sustains us through trials and tribulations, knowing that our citizenship is in heaven, where our true inheritance awaits.
Thus, we are called to walk by faith, not by sight. We are called to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. May His example inspire us to persevere in the face of adversity, trusting that He who has promised is faithful to fulfill His word. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit. By that same Spirit give us a right judgment in all things that we may have and always rejoice in his holy comfort; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.