Living by Faith (Heb. 11:13-14)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 06-02-03

 

My Worship Time                                                      Focus:  Living by faith

 

Bible Reading & Meditation             Reference:  Hebrews 11:13-14

 

            Message of the verse:  “13  All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own.”  “13 All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. 14 Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. (NLT).”

 

            I can see a number of things that kind of stick out at me when I read this passage.  The first one it the phrase “all these people were still living by faith when they died,” and this is something that encourages me to find this out.  It has taken me a long time to change my thinking about the situation that is described in these verses and from the original story that is written in Genesis.  I thought all along that all of these people did not ever receive the promise that God had given to them, but now I believe that they did receive it because the promise was not only for an earthly city and home, but also a heavenly city, which is the true home of all those who have believed the promise of salvation that God has offered to all.  All of these people were still living with true Biblical faith even up to the point of their death.  This text even says that they did not receive the things promised, but only saw them and welcomed them from a distance.  I do think that the writer is talking about the earthly promise here.  The writer also includes the truth of these people being aliens and stranger on earth, and this is true of all believers, because believers are different in so many ways that cause them to be strangers while upon this earth.

 

Spiritual meaning for my life today:  To live by the kind of faith that is described in the Scriptures, and also not to become too attached to the things of this world, so that I will be able to hear the still small voice of the Lord, and then obey that voice.  I must admit that I am still too much a part of the world, however the Lord is surely dealing with me in this important area of my life, and I am thankful for that.

 

The Word of God was so very insightful to my heart as I read it this morning.  It was very appropriate for the storm that I am going through with many shipmates at this time in my life.   The Word of God offered challenges to my heart and it also brought conviction to me as I read it this morning.  The Word of God is truly quick and powerful, and it is also living.

 

My Steps of Faith Today:  I would have the Biblical kind of hope that the Lord is going to continue to work in my life through this storm that He has chosen to send me, along with others.  I want to surely live as an example to others who are going through this storm, and live in a way that will bring honor and glory to the Lord Jesus Christ.