Good morning. The 11th chapter of the Letter to the Hebrews is often called “the faith chapter”. It begins with an eloquent description/definition of faith: Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Hebrews 11:1-3
That beginning is followed by several references to people who have lived in exceptional faith and a closing statement of the remarkable truths of their sacrifices. It is an extraordinary list of the faithful, a remarkable reminder of how God has worked through history through common people to accomplish His one great aim: to bring the Messiah into this world so that He could graciously provide the means for our forgiveness and salvation.
The 11th chapter of Hebrews is powerful, an excellent reminder for us of God’s power at work. But today, please note how the 11th chapter in all of its powerful testimony leads us to the 12th chapter: Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
The testimony of faithfulness that is the 11th chapter is given to us to provide inspiration. It tells us that ordinary people are able to win extraordinary victories when it is the Lord who is at work within them. It tells us that since the testimony of the faithful recorded in the 11th chapter is like a great cloud surrounding us, we too should have the confidence which leads us to usefulness in the Lord and victory in our lives.
At the heart of it all is Jesus. He is the pioneer and perfecter of faith. What He did for us is beyond remarkable, and His victory is beyond amazing.
What all of this means is that we should, every day, consider the testimony of faithful lives lived for the Lord. We should be inspired, and made ready to throw off the hindrances of sin and run our race of faith with our eyes on the prize.
Be inspired today, living in faithful power and victory.
Vern