Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 (NRSV)
Read Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 11Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Verse 2Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. Verse 3By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. Verse 8By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. Verse 9By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. Verse 10For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Verse 11By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old-and Sarah herself was barren-because he considered him faithful who had promised. Verse 12Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, "as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore." Verse 13All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, Verse 14for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. Verse 15If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. Verse 16But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.
Devotion
I began our devotional reflection this week with the question, "What is faith?" In Hebrews, chapter eleven—often called "the great faith chapter"—the writer begins with a definition but quickly shifts the focus to examples of faith. The examples include important ancestors of Israel—Noah, Abraham and Moses; Isaac and Jacob; Rahab (a prostitute!); judges, kings and prophets.
Many could be added to such a list, including persons in our own lives and time. While their stature and significance might not appear as great as those listed in Hebrews, they have impacted lives. A parent or grandparent, a neighbor, a teacher, a Boy Scout merit badge advisor, a business owner or manager, a babysitter, a coach, a pastor—the list could go on and on. All are persons who have changed us because they lived out their faith in the everyday encounters with others and the circumstances faced in life.
Prayer
Living and loving God, we thank you for all those persons who have been and are examples of a living faith. Work in all believers in Jesus in such a way that others will know, believe in and live with Jesus as Lord of all. Amen.