Focus
Experience silence in the midst of your busy day. Take some time to relax into a time to be with God.
Read
Hebrews 11:13-22 (NRSV)
All 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, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But 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.
By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son, of whom he had been told, “It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you.” He considered the fact that God is able even to raise someone from the dead—and figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. By faith Isaac invoked blessings for the future on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, “bowing in worship over the top of his staff.” By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his burial.
Reflect
As we continue to read Hebrews 11, verses 13-16 tell us that each of the Faith Hall of Famers died without receiving what God had promised. They believed in the future fulfillment of the promises, greeted the promises given, and accepted that they were strangers on this earth looking for a homeland—a heavenly place—without looking at the place they left behind. Their reward was that God was pleased and has a city waiting for them.
The rest of the verses again list the “by faith” acts: Abraham offered to give Isaac back to God; Isaac reached into the future and blessed Jacob and Esau; on his deathbed Jacob gave each of Joseph’s sons a blessing from God; and a dying Joseph foretold the exodus of Israel while making his own burial arrangement.
To be continued…
Pray
Lord, as I read the stories of those men and women in the Faith Hall of Fame, strengthen my faith. Give me the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. Amen.
Go with God.
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