Lessons from Hebrews 11

Hebrews 11 is often called the faith chapter.  Here we will look at a few key points that are particularly significant.  In fact, the whole chapter is especially powerful and worthy, for sure, of our more close examination. 

The chapter begins with the definition of faith.  And we should note that when we read here of faith, it is talking about the specific faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God.  Note verse 1:  "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."  In other words, if we know something to be true, there is no faith required.  But here faith is defined as being certain of something that we cannot see.  That takes faith. 

Then in verse 6, we read:  "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek him."  It is not enough to believe that God exists; we must believe that He is a rewarder of His people.  And another important point here is that He rewards those who "earnestly (or diligently) seek Him."  We have to be people who believe in Him, believe that He rewards His own, and we must be earnestly seeking Him. 

Most of the rest of the chapter deals with Old Testament characters, great men and women, who served God and sacrificed greatly to follow Him.  These include Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and even many unnamed men and women who were great in their faith; many even gave their lives for the cause.  But.............

The final key point in the chapter is very powerful.  Listen to the end of the chapter:  "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.  God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect."  As great as all of these people were, they didn't receive the very important "promise" of God.  This refers to the promise from Genesis 12 where God told Abraham that through his "seed," his descendants, all of the world would be blessed.  This would come in the form of Jesus....and of course, would come much later, much after all of these great people were dead.  This final point says "God had planned something better for us..."  This is Jesus.  The people of old did not get the full blessing of having Jesus; but we do!  And that is the main point of all of Hebrews chapter 11.  We are blessed people.....but we must be people of faith....and followers of Him! 

Thanks for reading.   Come again!