Today’s Reading: Isaiah 19; Isaiah 20; Isaiah 21; Hebrews 11
Scripture: Hebrews 11:35-39
35 ...Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. 37 They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.
Observation: This passage has always grabbed me. Hebrews 11 is known as the Hall of Faith -- the listing of great men and women of faith. And here in these verses is a description of nameless individuals of great faith, all of whom suffered greatly. Some of them even refused release -- apparently unwilling to compromise their confession of faith. What is so amazing to me is that we generally associate great faith with great miracles. But these people of great faith suffered unto death -- no miracle of deliverance came to them. And yet they are celebrated. I love the verse: "The world was not worthy of them."
Application: These words should challenge and encourage all of us who name the name of Jesus. We have a rich heritage of faith. And if we suffer, many have suffered much more before us -- and they remained faithful and are recognized for their faith. As we remain steadfast, we join with these -- our amazing brothers and sisters -- in standing with Jesus who Himself suffered unto death. Great faith is not just for great miracles -- it is for great people to stand in the face of great opposition. And great rewards will follow. Let's stand faithful no matter what.
Prayer: Father, thank You that You provide these reminders that we have a great heritage of faithful men and women that we are following. Help us to not focus on deliverance only, though we do pray for deliverance, but help us to focus on faithfulness and steadfastness, no matter what kind of difficulty or opposition we encounter. May we stand, faithful, in Your great strength.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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