Hebrews 11-8.18.22
Scripture
Hebrews 11
Observation
Hebrews 11 has a nickname:
The hall of faith.
In sports, it’s the best athletes that make it into the hall of fame.
Hebrews 11 covers the stories of some of the best heroes of faith of the Old Testament. If you’re looking to answer the question, “What is faith?” these stories are a great place to start. You’ll get to see faith in action.
Understanding
Living a life of faith is tough. It requires the power and presence of God in your life. No matter how much faith or faithless you’re currently feeling, be assured that faith comes not from those who try hard, but those who lean into God hard.
Hebrews 11 tells us what it means to have faith and obtain life. Those with true faith trust God’s word. Focusing on assurance about what we do not see, looking beyond the situation as it can be perceived by natural vision. By exercising this kind of faith those in the Old Testament gained the recognition of God. By faith they discerned God’s amazing plan.
The faith hall of famers had plenty of mess-ups in their stories, but their faith remained constant still.
Faith requires living life as if every promise of God is true, whether we see the evidence of that or not. Faith doesn’t need to see to believe.
A life of faith starts in the heart, but always shows itself through works. In the same way, a lack of faith shows in our actions as well.
Faith is responsive:
We must take action. By faith Abraham, when called he obeyed.
Faith is sacrificial and courageous: Abraham brought his son whom he loved and was willing to place him on the altar. He called it worship. He trusted God even when it meant laying down something he loved.
Faith is persistent:
Abraham and his sons lived in tents. They did not see the land as their own, but exercised faith knowing that God would be true to his word. Abraham looked forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.
All these people were living by faith when they died. Although they did not actually possess the promised gifts of God, they saw them and welcomed them. Their hearts were set on heaven, not on the country they had left. Heaven was their homeland, they were citizens of heaven. God is not ashamed to be called their God and he has prepared for them a city.
Life Application
Faith is a basic requirement of life that keeps your hope alive and from being shaken when faced with trials. The stronger your hope, the stronger your faith in God. This is why it is important to read God’s word, spend time in prayer and worship. The more you know God, the more you can trust His character and stand on His word.
God I want to trust you even when I don’t see or understand. Help me to take action and stand on your promises.
-Justin Eaves
Psalm 52-8.17.22
Scripture
Psalm 52:7-9
7 “Here now is the man who did not make God his stronghold but trusted in his great wealth and grew strong by destroying others!” 8 But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever. 9 For what you have done I will always praise you in the presence of your faithful people. And I will hope in your name, for your name is good.
Observation-What does it say?
In this Psalm, King David is exposing the deceit and evil of Doeg the Edomite, who “informed Saul of David’s whereabouts.” “King David wrote this Psalm during the period when Saul was seeking his life.” (Reference: biblegateway.com footnotes)
Understanding-What does it mean?
King David is comparing and contrasting those like Doeg who trust in wealth, do evil and grow strong by destroying others, to those who trust in God’s unfailing love and hope in His good name alone!
Life Application
There’s no need to destroy others just to get ahead in life. Put our hope in God’s unfailing love!
When we put our hope in anything but Jesus, we will always be disappointed. People and relationships may come and go; money and success comes and goes; beauty comes and goes and even our health comes and goes. There is only ONE thing that will never fail us and that is Christ’s unfailing love.
I have been meditating on His unfailing love and faithfulness a lot lately and I’m so grateful for it.
-Michelle Gaddi
Hebrews 9-8.16.22
Scripture
Hebrews 9:9-10
This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings—external regulations applying until the time of the new order.
Observation
There is absolutely nothing I can do to wash away my sins – only Jesus can.
Understanding
Throughout the book of Hebrews, the author compares the old covenant to the new covenant. Under the old covenant, people were required to follow extensive laws and rules and make blood sacrifices and even then they could not come into God’s presence. Under the new covenant, Jesus made the sacrifice for me, and if I will believe it and accept it, my conscience is wiped clean. Under the old covenant, they could never live up. Under the new covenant, I don’t have to live up!
Vs. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!
Accepting His forgiveness clears our hearts and minds and makes room for us to truly know Him so we will do His will.
Heb. 8:10 I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
Life Application
Lord, help me stop my striving to earn your love and forgiveness. I don’t deserve it and there’s nothing I can do to earn it. You have already given it.
-Debbie Dunn