Hebrews 11:29-12:2 (NRSV)
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Verse 29By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted to do so they were drowned. Verse 30By faith the walls of Jericho fell after they had been encircled for seven days. Verse 31By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had received the spies in peace.
Verse 32And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets- Verse 33who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, Verse 34quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Verse 35Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. Verse 36Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. Verse 37They were stoned to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented- Verse 38of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. Verse 39Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, Verse 40since God had provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect.
Chapter 12Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, Verse 2looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
Devotion
What a wonderful thing is faith in God. Faith in God has always been the blessing that God has worked in his people, which has given them courage to live as his people through times of trial and danger. The list of those from the Old Testament who have triumphed by means of faith in God is most impressive. Yet none of them received what has been promised. God had planned something better for us so that, only together with us, would they be made perfect. Our faith is made perfect because we know through Jesus Christ that nothing can separate us from God’s love. We know this because he did not spare his own son but gave him up for us all (Rom. 8:31-38).
Prayer
Lord God, heavenly Father, we thank you for the love and kindness that you have shown to us in Jesus Christ. Renew us in faith this day and give us the courage to live as your children, trusting only in your will for our lives. Amen.