The writer of Hebrews starts chapter 11 with the Biblical definition of faith – “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” (v. 1) The writer goes on to mention some of the Great Examples of Faith as seen throughout the Old Testament. “Through their faith, the people in days of old earned a good reputation.” (v. 2) In other words, these biblical “heroes of faith” are called that because of their obedience to God and enduring faith no matter the circumstance, and that was seen as a “good reputation”.
Jesus is the true Hero of Faith. He has the best reputation and is our example of obediently enduring all circumstances, including pain and suffering, so that each one of us can be forgiven of our sins and have eternal life with Him. We must press into our faith, through daily prayer, daily time in God’s Word, and allow God to hold us as we cling to Him in all circumstances so that our faith will not waver.
Today, we are seeking for our faith to grow from the first two verses of chapter 12. First, we see that it directly connects to chapter 11, and our biblical brothers and sisters are a part of the “huge crowd of witnesses”. We know that in order for our faith to grow and firmly last, we must keep our eyes on Jesus, the One Who is the Champion of Faith. We cannot forget that Jesus suffered, so we can expect to suffer. “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. (Romans 5:3-5)
I want to leave you with a quote I came across in my studies that touched my heart, “suffering stretches the capacity of our soul for intimacy with God and with other people.” Be blessed today, my friends.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT)
God’s Discipline Proves His Love
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for stretching our faith. Help each one of us to cling to You more than we ever have. Help us to grow in our time with You, in our trust in You, and in knowing just how much You love each one of us. We do not want to waver in our faith, so guide us, Holy Spirit, today and every day until we see Jesus face-to-face. In Your Name, Jesus. Amen.