“BY FAITH WE UNDERSTAND …” Thoughts from today’s Bible readings – Dec. 4th
Today we read that ‘famous’ (in a spiritual; sense) 11th chapter of Hebrews which starts with the encouraging and challenging words, ” Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” We are familiar with this chapter, or should be – let us make sure we have fully absorbed its lessons into our minds and have a firm “conviction of things not seen.”
The first – and maybe the most important thing in which to have faith is the statement in v. 3. “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” This lays a vital foundation in our thinking, especially in this godless world – which surrounds and presses in on us more than ever.
We have read books by those who believe (have a ‘faith’ in) the claims that all that exists is the result of an endless series of ’chance’ happenings – and yet they admit they cannot prove this! They are convinced that there is no God who will hold them responsible for the ‘evil’ they are spreading into the minds of others. The extent to which God may hold them accountable remains to be seen – but the fact in Scripture – that “he is coming … and … even those who pierced him … will wail” [Rev.1 v.7] causes one to see this as possible – even likely.
Those who hold a sure conviction in their hearts that there is a Creator who not only made all things, but who invites them to have a wondrous relationship with him – through His Son – live with a sure sense of purpose in their lives – because they realize in their hearts (not just their heads) that “whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” [v.6] So let us “draw near to God” and his Son today – and every day! Remember what we read in ch. 7 (v.25) that Jesus “is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”
Our chapter today, after listing a multitude of examples of men and woman who learnt to live by faith, ends by telling us, “all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect. “
Surely you and I desire to be part of the “us” and to be “made perfect”! Let us pray that the divine oversight of our lives will continue – today – and every day – until our faith is turned to sight.
