In chapter 11 of the book of Hebrews the phrases “through faith” and “by faith” I counted 19 times. There must be something special about that faith if the author of the book of Hebrews mentioned it that often. Here is what the author himself says about faith – “1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.“
Further, he listed down the fruits what was produced through faith and by faith. The first was Abel, who by faith was able to offer excellent sacrifice to God (Genesis 4:4). Second was Enoch, who by faith, that pleased God, escaped death and was taken to heaven (Genesis 5:24). Then Noah, who by faith found favour and grace in the eye of the Lord (Genesis 6:8) and God warned him about events not yet seen… Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Indeed, there is something special about the Faith.
Scripture
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. -- Hebrews 12:2 KJV
Observation
In order to understand what faith is, we have to study its origin and where to look at. The author of the book of Hebrews directs us to it. “Looking unto Jesus” – it could not be simpler. Look at Him… He is “the author and finisher of our faith“, says the author. God incarnate, the Son of man, who stripped Himself from His divine privileges. In His obedience to the Father He was glorified “for the joy that was set before him“; in His humbleness He “endured the cross” of the world; through His humiliation “despising the shame” He loved the world; by faith Jesus Christ “is set down at the right hand of the throne of God“.
Indeed, there is SOMETHING SPECIAL about THE FAITH.
Application
This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV
- What is the source of your faith?
- Where do you fix your eyes on?
- Looking unto Jesus, what do you think make Him that faithful?
- What do you do to make your faith stronger?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we praise Your holy Name and thank You for Who You are. We thank You Lord for the revelation of Your Word to us. We pray that Your Spirit will guide us and teach us in wisdom, understanding and fear of our Lord God. We pray Lord that by Your grace You will give us strong faith, so we can bring glory to Your Kingdom. We pray that by faith, the light what shine in us will empower this world to have hope in what is yet unseen.
All these we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith. Amen
