Author: NBibens

In Hebrews 11:23, the Hebrew author moves from Genesis to Exodus for examples of faith. The first example is that of Moses’ parents. For all we read about Moses, we know very little about his parents. But we do know they had great faith, and we know that their faith gave them impressive courage.

At the time of Moses’ birth, Israel was a nation of slaves. Further, Pharaoh declared that all newborn Hebrew males should be cast into the Nile River and thus killed. Now, Pharaoh was a powerful man. Defying his order could bring terrible consequences. But Hebrews 11:23 says, “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.” We face a terrifying enemy—but faith reminds us that He who is with us is greater than he who is in the world. And with such knowledge, faith leads to great courage.

Hebrews 11:22 considers one final example of faith from Genesis—Joseph. It reads, “By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.” Of all of Joseph’s trials and achievements, why does the Hebrew writer pick this as the great example of Joseph’s faith?

Perhaps it is because however much he accomplished, Joseph never forgot who he was. He may have been second in command in Egypt, but he was no Egyptian. Thus, he told his people to ensure they took his bones with them when they left Egypt and returned to the Promised Land. Egypt was temporary—God’s promises, forever.

So it should be for us. We are passing through this life—escaping Egypt and wandering the wilderness. Don’t mistake either for home. Remember who you are and where you’re going, and faithfully serve the Lord until you enter His promised rest.

Hebrews 11:21-22 consider the two final characters of Genesis, Jacob and Joseph. But the Hebrew writer considers these two characters in an intriguing way. Jacob’s and Joseph’s faith is described within the framework of death.

Hebrews 11:21 says, “By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff.” Yesterday, we noted that Jacob’s faith moved him to bless others. But notice what else faith does—faith prepares one for death.

We all are afraid of death, whether we admit it or not. But faith helps us prepare for and confront that terrible enemy. Because of faith, Jacob could approach death with courage and hope. And notice what faith moved Jacob to do at death’s doorstep—he worshiped! A life filled with pleasure and selfishness will be useless as we approach the end. But worshipful faith won’t just help us live—it will help us when it comes time to die.

Like Abraham and Sarah, faith should cause us to trust God’s promised blessings. With such faith, not only can we receive the Lord’s blessings, but we can bless others. Listen to what Hebrews says about Isaac and Jacob:

“By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff.”[1]

Isaac’s very life was a blessing to Abraham, but God’s promises were much bigger than just Isaac. As much as we cherish God’s blessings, we must never forget they are not ours alone.

The Lord’s blessings are meant to be passed down and shared. Faith in God makes us a part of something much bigger—the people of God. Not only that, but genuine faith will move us not just to seek God’s blessings but to share our faith and help others find God’s blessed promises as well.

[1] Hebrews 11:20-21

Sarah and Abraham possessed incredible faith in God—a faith that trusted Him completely. Abraham’s trusting faith is powerfully demonstrated by his willingness to offer Isaac. Of that remarkable story, Hebrews 11 provides this commentary:

“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.”[1]

Isaac was the son God had promised to give Abraham. But then it appeared God was taking Isaac away. But Abraham’s faith didn’t waiver—instead, he trusted. He trusted that even death couldn’t keep God from fulfilling His promises. The devil seeks to discourage us, but never lose your trust in God. Let us remain faithful, committed, and dedicated, and trust that the Lord will fulfill His promises!

[1] Hebrews 11:17-19

Last week, we began a series based on Hebrews 11 about what faith does. Let’s pick up that series again this week and start in verse 11. There, the Bible reads, “By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.” The Hebrew writer says something amazing and powerful happened through Sarah’s faith. An older couple past the age of childbearing became the ancestors of innumerable people!

Faith trusts that God will fulfill His promises—promises that are simply beyond our ability to bring about, like forgiveness and eternal life. Faith calls us to do what we can—follow God—and to trust in God to do what we cannot. Genuine faith is powerful because it points us to God’s power.

Yesterday, we considered Abraham’s example of obedience. Hebrews 11 lingers on Abraham, so let’s do the same. Abraham’s faith also helped him develop a proper perspective on life. Faith helped Abraham look beyond the here and now to something greater. Hebrews 11:9-10 says, “By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.”

The faithful children of God know this world is not their home. This world is not all there is. No, our home lies beyond this vale of pain, tears, and death. Satan will do his best to distract us with pleasures and discourage us with pain, but faith will lift our eyes to heaven and give us the focus and the strength to live as pilgrims in this land on our way to be at home with God.

Many religious people want to separate faith and obedience. They often make faith mandatory and obedience, well, a nice idea but not necessary. But that isn’t how the Bible portrays the relationship between faith and obedience.

Hebrews 11, that great chapter about faith, demonstrates this in the example of Abraham. Hebrews 11:8 says, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” Abraham is an excellent example of faith. Thus, he is an outstanding example of obedience. Had Abraham believed God’s promises but disregarded God’s call and command, I doubt we would read about him in Hebrews 11. But his faith was no mere mental agreement. Abraham’s faith was an active, obedient faith.

If we want to inherit God’s promises, our faith must be the same. Our belief and trust must move us to obey the Lord’s commands. That is genuine, saving faith.

Faith, a potent force, is far from a naive, nebulous mentality. It actively shapes and molds our lives. This week, our study of Hebrews 11 has revealed that faith is a tool for worship and seeking God. Today, let’s delve into how faith also instills in us a reverent fear.

Hebrews 11:7 says, “By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household…” We may not consider faith and fear complimentary, but they are. Genuine faith is found in those who fear God, that is, those who revere God. Many people like to think of God’s mercy and grace, and rightly so! God’s loving kindness is beyond comprehension, and we should thank God daily for His mercy. But many want to enjoy God’s mercy without respecting, fearing, or obeying God, and that will not do. We must have faith not only in God’s mercy but also in God’s holiness.

Yesterday, we began a series in Hebrews 11 about faith. We noted that genuine faith worships God, as we learn from the example of Abel. Today, let’s move forward and consider Enoch’s example. Hebrews 11:4-5 explains that Enoch had a faith that pleased God. Verse six says, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Many believe faith is a blind belief, but that isn’t true. Real faith pursues and seeks God. Genuine faith loves truth and seeks to learn and know it. Saving faith seeks to know God’s will and obey it wholeheartedly. Yes, we must believe in God—that is, we must believe that He exists.

But we must also draw near to Him. We must learn His will, follow His commands, and be transformed by His Word. Genuine faith believes in God, and moves us to seek Him and walk in His ways.