Chapter 11 of Hebrews focuses on faith. It is a beautiful Chapter, and we’ll reflect on a portion today. Have you ever been asked, “what is faith?” How do you describe it? While the first few verses are not a complete picture of what faith is or represents, it is what the author wanted the people to hear.
While the NLT version that I link to is my favorite translation in general, I prefer NIV for these first three verses, “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.” If we have faith, we have confidence in God to act. We have an understanding and trust in God that people without faith are lacking. Continue reading “Hebrews 11:1-16 – What Does Faith Look Like?”
“Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ.” Some of us don’t remember that day because Jesus has always been a part of our lives. Yet others of us have a distinct moment when all the dots connected and we knew we had finally met the one who would change our lives forever. No matter what your “coming to Jesus” experience is, the good news is we are here. Keep focused on the joy and overflowing blessing we have for being Christ followers.
So many times we go through the motions of life. There are so many things we do on autopilot, like brushing our teeth or combing our hair. Sometimes things like this are done without giving much thought to them. You don’t even necessarily put them on your To-Do List because you just know to do them.
We are free and forgiven. We can boldly come before God because of what Jesus has done for us. Such a gift and a privilege. It’s a day to look forward to and not fear. If we picture Jesus there waiting for us with open arms it is much easier. I certainly don’t want to rush that day to come because there is so much more I want to experience in this life. To have the assurance of life beyond death is something some people don’t have. That is tragic.
We’re moving through the book of Hebrews and there is a lot of emphasis on Jesus being our high priest. His sacrifice was once and done. He will not have to die again. Remember, some of the young Christians had been Jews just moments before. Their heritage had been a yearly sacrifice. Each year you’d be reminded of your sins as the sacrifices were made and the high priest entered the Most Holy Place.
