Scripture:
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for; (Faith is) the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation…without faith it is impossible to please Him—for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.
(Moses) considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt (for he was looking to the reward).
And all these (Heroes of the Faith in ages past), 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.” Excerpted from Heb 11:1-2; v6; v26; 39-40
Observation:
Faith, the definition of and the function of, is continued and expanded upon by the Writer of Hebrews—to what end? The assurance and the conviction of our Hope in Christ through the function of faith.
Application:
I have a medium to hard time understanding faith at times.
Is faith an unsubstantiated belief (meaning: nothing substantial behind it)? Is it a power to be exercised? Is faith a concept or a principle? When faith is exercised, just what is accomplished?
All of the above have been referenced to faith in my history and probably others. It has messed me up in my thinking, actions, and witness more than once. Strike that: If it doesn’t hiccup on me at least weekly or more I am not telling the truth.
Remember Rom 12:3? “…but be transformed by the renewal of your mind that by testing you may discern what is the Will of God…?”
If faith is the assurance of hope and the conviction of things invisible, then renewing my mind daily is imperative because daily my hope is assaulted by despair in various forms and my eyes see what is before me and not the Hand of God beyond that; my physically experienced world disputes the existence of God because my head is sick and the enemy still has some influence.
Therefore, I think faith is, at its core, a few things:
- Understanding the visible world is the shadow of the Eternal and God is preeminent and Sovereign.
- A conviction of unseen facts, informed by the Holy Spirit through His Word.
- A convinced hope of statements and promises of God to be inalterably true.
Standing on the promises of God was not a hope without substance by the Heroes mentioned in Heb 11. In fact it was faith with rock solid foundations, faces set like flint in the face of opposition, firmly convinced that He who is unseen is more trustworthy than the physical world around.
Moses perceived by faith a Redeemer is coming: Jesus Christ, Messiah of Israel, and Savior of the World. The reproach, opposition of the world around him didn’t move him. Standing on the Rock, the Firm Foundation meant something substantial, more substantial than the ground he stood upon.
The scripture indicates that He rewards those who seek Him. How do you seek something, someone who can’t be seen? Another time, another posting but I am reminded and convinced of this: If I seek Him I will be found by Him. Seeking Him has a rewarding object. It is NOT a “one and done” exercise.
Prayer:
Father, Music and Lyric so plays a part in my remembering of You. “So I want to go back to Egypt” satirically reminds me to keep to the narrow road, my head on straight, and my eye singly upon You. My flesh rebels. I need the help of the Holy Spirit moment by moment. Help me, O God my Lord, to pursue and seek You fervently, passionately, and fiercely. AMEN.