Title Hebrews 11:1 - 7
Contents Main text: Hebrews 11:1 - 7
*** He pleases those who live by faith (v. 1)
Throughout history, God has loved those who obeyed His Word even in the midst of extreme sorrow, even when those who depended on Him were in trouble, and He pleased those who had the confidence of new and eternal life and had the hope of being with Him. Because the Lord rose from the dead and ascended to heaven, we know that there is another life after death. Faith is a certainty that you can have in the invisible. God has commanded me to believe and obey His Word and live for the future He has promised. This is in stark contrast to the materialistic reality in which I live. But I must look to the multitude of witnesses surrounding me like a cloud who lived before me according to the command of the Lord. Because they are our examples.
**** God the Creator (verses 2-3)
Scientists strongly advocate for the evolution of the universe, but Christians know how the universe was formed. Because Christians rely on the Word of God written in the Bible, they believe that the universe was created from nothing out of nothing. Many people these days believe that there is no Creator. But God not only created this beautiful world, he made us to rely on Him by faith in any circumstance. Therefore, when I show my faith in God, I can shine like a star in this dark world. Why don't you take a break from your busy schedule today and take a look at the world around you? I should give thanks to God for seeing the greenery of nature, the mysticism, the beauty, and the bright image of a child.
*** Sacrifice without faith (v. 4)
When I meet someone for the first time, they will usually ask me what kind of job I have. This is the world's evaluation of an individual. What I do is more important than who I am. But the Christian view is the opposite. In other words, the person you are is more important than what you do. It is easy to think that God will be pleased with us if we dedicate our time and money to God by fasting and praying and giving large sums of money to the church. But God wants my pure faith more than this. Am I not offering these things out of a sense of duty? Or do you offer it with love? With what kind of heart am I dedicating them to God?
*** Faith with a reward (verses 5-7)
Enoch walked with God on this earth and did not see death, but was taken up together with that very God into the kingdom of heaven. Even though we live with God, too often we deviate from God. Sometimes doubts arise as to whether we believe well in Him or whether we have been forgiven by God to be saved forever. But to return to God in this world is to take the first step on the road to heaven.
Jesus never forsook the path of obedience. Therefore, I too must follow the way of the Lord. Today, am I communing with God and walking together?