Beloved, I am glad to share with you today the above theme from Heb 11:1 and following. Indeed, the different aspects of the life of faith are illustrated by witnesses of the Old Testament. In Abel, we see this faith appropriating redemption through the offering of a sacrifice pleasing to God. In Enoch, she walks towards her heavenly goal. In Noah, she condemns the world and preaches divine justice. Thus faith characterizes the whole Christian life. And having reached the last steps of this march of faith, this is not the time to reject our assurance far. For very little time and the One who comes, will come. This designation is sufficient. Jesus is “he who comes”; we are “those who await Him” (Hb 9:27-28).
Once again in the Bible, Abraham and his family are chosen by God to teach us what faith is. “Abraham being called obeys…” Obeying someone without knowing their intentions shows full self-confidence. When it is God who commands it, faith knows how to go and also knows how to inhabit. The patriarch sometimes dwelt in Sharan when he was to go all the way to Canaan (Acts 7:2-5) and he also went to Egypt when he should have been living in the land (Gen 12:9-13). But God likes to cover these missteps here, just as He ignores Sarah’s laughter, the sad end of Isaac’s story, and the sad beginning of Jacob’s; He retains from the lives of his own only what glorifies Him, and faith alone can glorify Him. Thatis why He is not ashamed of them. He claims this name of God of Abraham, isaac, Jacob. Does each of us have the right to call him “my God”?
Isaac’s sacrifice proves that Abraham believes in the resurrection (Rom 4:14-18) and that he loves God more than his only son. Jacob’s long story is told by his staff, alternately instrument of the shepherd, support of the pilgrim, the lame and finally the worshipper. From Isaac one might think that his discernment was very late and from Joseph that there would have been something else to remember than this simple recommendation concerning his bones. But each of these patriarchs proclaims in his own way his sure expectation of things to come. Moses refuses… Chooses… esteem… because he looks to the reward (Hb 10:32-37). He leaves… does not fear… holds firm… because he sees the One who is invisible. Faith is the only touchstone for appreciating the true value and relative duration of all things. But it is at the same time the inner energy that makes it possible to triumph, both obstacles – the wrath of the king, the Red Sea, Jericho – and covetousness: the enjoyment of sin or the riches of Egypt. Yes, faith is energetic and bold. And if the example of Moses seems too high to us, let us be encouraged by that of Rahab.
The following verses have been compiled for your edification and grouped together for your better understanding.
The faith of the elders:
- Faith
Luke 17:5 The apostles said to the Lord: Increase our faith. Rom 10:17 Thus faith comes from what one hears, and what one hears comes from the word of Christ. Luke 18:8 Two men went up to the temple to pray; one was Pharisee, and the other publican. Gal 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value, but faith which is active through charity. Hb 11:1, 39 But faith is a firm assurance of the things we hope for, a demonstration of those we do not see. 39 All these, to whose faith it was testified, did not obtain what was promised to them,
- The Holy Ghost Testifies to Believers of Their Spiritual Adoption
Rom 8:16 The Spirit Himself bears witness to our spirit that we are children of God. Gal 4:6 And because you are sons, God has sent into our hearts the Spirit of his Son, who cries out: Abba! Father! 1 John 3:24 He who keeps his commandments dwells in God, and God in him; and we know that he dwells in us by the Spirit he has given us. 1 John 4:13 We know that we abide in Him, and that He dwells in us, in what He has given us with His Spirit. 1 John 5:6 It was he, Jesus Christ, who came with water and blood; not with water alone, but with water and blood; and it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is the truth.
- Needs highlighted by Christ
Justice Mt 5:20 For if your righteousness does not surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
-A childlike spirit Mt 18:3 and says: I tell you in truth, if you do not convert and become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
-Repentance Luke 13:2-3 He answered them: Do you believe that these Galileans were greater sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you. But if you do not repent, you will all perish equally.
The new birth Jn 3:5 Jesus answered: Truly, truly, I tell you, if a man is not born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
Spiritual worship John 4:24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.
Spiritual nourishment John 6:53 Jesus said to them: Truly, truly, I tell you, if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you have no life in yourselves.
Personal Faith John 8:23 And He said to them: You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. Hb 9:22 And almost everything, according to the law, is purified with blood, and without bloodshed there is no forgiveness.
- Faithfulness of God
Dt 7:9 Know, therefore, that it is Jehovah, your God, who is God. This faithful God keeps his covenant and mercy until the thousandth generation towards those who love him and keep his commandments. Ps 36:6 Eternal, your goodness reaches to heaven, Your faithfulness to the clouds. Ps 105:8 He always remembers His covenant, His promises for a thousand generations, 1 Cor 1:9 God is faithful, he who called you to the communion of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Hb 6:18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may find a powerful encouragement, whose only refuge has been to grasp the hope that was offered to us. 1 Pet 4:19 Thus, let those who suffer according to God’s will surrender their souls to the faithful Creator, doing what is right.
From all of the above, we note that through the darkest times, the torch of faith, passed from hand to hand, has never been extinguished. Only God knows the list of these forgotten martyrs and keeps it up to date. “Everyone has their own page to bring into the volume of fidelity.” The army of faith has scouts, a prestigious Leader; we are the rearguard. Today it is our turn to be engaged in this “relay race”. What does it take to run well? Not be loaded or hindered. Let’s start by getting rid of any unnecessary burden and baggage. Let us also reject sin, that net that makes you stumble, alas, “so easily”! But that’s not all. An object, like an irresistible magnet, must draw us forward. Let us fix our gaze on Jesus, Guide and Model of the life of faith, his Head and the One who fully fulfills it. He too had an object before Him, more powerful than the cross, than shame, than all his suffering. It was the “fullness of joy” that was to crown the life of the man of faith according to Ps 16:8-11. Whatever our circumstances, God expects a visible fruit of our faith. Our prayers are with you all.
PRAYER OF ACCEPTANCE OF JESUS CHRIST AS LORD AND PERSONAL SAVIOR
I now invite every person who wants to become a new creation by walking in the truth, to pray with me the following prayer:
Lord Jesus, I have long walked in the lusts of the world ignoring your love for humans. I admit to having sinned against you and ask your forgiveness for all my sins, because today I have decided to give you my life by taking you as Lord and personal Savior. I recognize that you died on the cross of Calvary and rose from the dead for me.
I am now saved and born again by the power of the Holy Spirit. Lead me every day to the eternal life that you give to all who obey your Word. Reveal yourself to me and strengthen my heart and faith, so that your light may shine in my life right now.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for accepting me into your divine family, so that I may also contemplate the wonders of your kingdom.
I will now choose a nearby waterpoint to baptize myself by immersion, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
All adoration, power and glory are yours, now and forever and ever. Amen!
I would be happy to respond to any questions and comments you may have, before sharing with you tomorrow “perseverance in the midst of trials.”
May the Lord Jesus Christ bless you abundantly.
David Feze, Servant of the Almighty God.