Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 (NRSV)
Read Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 11Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Verse 2Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. Verse 3By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. Verse 8By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. Verse 9By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. Verse 10For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Verse 11By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old-and Sarah herself was barren-because he considered him faithful who had promised. Verse 12Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, "as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore." Verse 13All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, Verse 14for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. Verse 15If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. Verse 16But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.
Devotion
Dictionaries define faith as “belief in God, revelation or the like, trust in God.” We can also understand faith to be the confidence we have in the promises of God revealed in the Scriptures. The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is a remarkable testimony to this faith. The stories of our ancestors in the faith are told here, reminding us of the centrality of holding to the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen.
This is salvation language. References are made to a homeland; a concept we understand because our homelands are precious to us. But even more important is our eternal home secured through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Our home is in heaven and we rejoice in our salvation. Our faith tells us this is so.
Prayer
Ruler of things seen and unseen, we thank you for the gift of faith. On our earthly journey, enable us to believe and follow you. Lead us to our heavenly home. Guide our steps now and always, just as you have led our ancestors in the faith. We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.