Title Hebrews 11:17 - 29
Contents Main text: Hebrews 11:17 - 29
*** God's Covenant (verses 17-19)
Faith is trusting that God's promises will surely be fulfilled. Why did Abraham want to kill his only son? God made Abraham wait for a son for many years and promised that he would establish a great nation through his son Isaac. Because Abraham believed this promise of God, he was able to offer Isaac by faith when he was tested. Abraham had confidence that even if Isaac had died, God would surely raise him up because of his covenant. We always look at the situation, so there are times when God's work seems hopeless or questionable. What do I think when God's promises don't seem real? Do you not feel that God has abandoned you and is not taking care of you just by looking at the situation? Or do you believe in God and believe that He is absolutely faithful and unchanging?
*** The attitude of the believer (verses 20-21)
Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph were men who kept the faith until the very end of their lives. As they neared death, they cared more for others than for themselves. Isaac was worried about the future of his sons, so although Jacob tried to deceive him, he treated Jacob and Esau alike, vowing to bless them as much as he could. Jacob, on the other hand, blessed his grandchildren, the sons of Joseph. And Joseph believed in God's covenant to enter the promised land and encouraged others by telling him that it would be his burial place. What legacy of faith should I leave to my children in the future?
*** By faith (verse 23)
Moses' parents were wonderful people. When they recognized that their child was a special child, they risked their lives to hide their child and then put it in God's protection, despite Pharaoh's command to kill all young boys. Faith and fear could not coexist. Is there no fear that strikes my heart today? Am I not afraid of the difficulties I will face if I obey God? Maybe I am a parent who thinks my child has been called on a mission, but is afraid to send him to a mission field. I have to trust the Lord who gave me the child and entrust the child to me.
*** Aspects of Faith (vv. 24-29)
Like his parents, Moses grew up in faith and became a man. So he wanted to abandon the lavish lifestyle of the palace and join God's people. He chose reproach for Christ over the treasures of Egypt, so even in the face of Pharaoh's wrath, his faith was able to dispel fear. Knowing the will of the one who called him, he boldly carried out the work God had entrusted to him by faith. His faith was active throughout his life. Am I actively living the faith in any environment? Or do you become active only when you are challenged by their faith in your fellowship with other believers?