As I conclude the 11th chapter of Hebrews in today's short thoughts, I will include the lengthy portion of scripture that is found in verses 32-40. The author concludes the chapter as he writes, "And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground. And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect."
"What more shall I say," the author writes. He could go on providing various accounts of a seemingly endless list of those whose faith was worth noting. Time itself would be his only barrier in doing so. But under divine inspiration he has already spoken clearly regarding the importance of faith and the significance of what God can achieve in and through the lives of those who live by it. Each of those who have been mentioned by the
Hebrew writer, whether by name or generically, had faith as their common tie. A faith that was God's conduit for working in their lives.
We should note that faith was seen as the key in both glorious times of accomplishment and in times of great difficulty. I'm reminded of the Apostle Paul's words regarding the learning of contentment and the secret thereof. There should be no doubt that rightly understood and rightly placed faith is necessary for contentment. We may never find ourselves in a situation where, by faith, we would refuse our release in exchange for torture, but faith will always be the high road to take. May our faith ever increase as we
grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory!
No comments:
Post a Comment