Of Whom the World Was Not Worthy

Daily Reading: Hebrews 11

Scripture Focus: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11.1)

Devotional Thought: The Adams family had hope, even in the valley of the shadow of death.  Though, outwardly their father – my dear friend, Chester – was wasting away, they knew that inwardly he was being renewed.  They knew there was a resurrection ahead!  For that reason, we were able to have a “celebration” instead of a funeral.  Their faith not only sustained them, it lifted them up.  Even when they didn’t “get what they wanted”, they had what they needed: assurance. 

Beginning with a brief definition of what faith is, Hebrews 11 cites many examples of faith in the lives of biblical heroes. He even mentions those who did not prevail in this life: “Some were tortured... suffered mocking and flogging... chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated— of whom the world was not worthy” (Hebrews 11.35-38).

How can the Adams family, the Hebrews 11 people, or even we ourselves maintain hope in times of suffering and death?  Only through faith.  When you don’t get what you want, are you still sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see?  Though I may never attain to the status of these “Heroes of Faith” in Hebrews 11, nor may it ever be said of me “of whom the world was not worthy”, it is my desire that my faith would be an example to others to hold on to hope.  Just as I saw in the Adams family.

Prayer: Lord, I believe.  Help my unbelief.  Help my faith to grow into my profession.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 50.1-6

1 The Mighty One, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.

2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.

3 Our God comes; he does not keep silence; before him is a devouring fire, around him a mighty tempest.

4 He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people:

5 "Gather to me my faithful ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!"

6 The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge! Selah