RPG Adults
THE COMMENDATION OF FAITH
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Hebrews 11:1-20
Genesis 4:1-5
“… And the LORD had respect
unto Abel and to his offering.”
THE COMMENDATION OF FAITH
In today’s reading, faith is given a clear definition in a few words and also illustrated by many examples. These examples are the heroes of faith. Faith is the starting point of a person’s salvation and moves forward as it is built up in the hearts of believers.
In the initial declaration of faith, the text opened with this apt definition: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb 11:1). Then the writer began to follow the path of faith in the lives of the Old Testament saints. He said that by faith the elders obtained a good report. This could refer generally to the revelation of God as written in the scriptures. He then referred to the story of creation, that by faith it is understood that the worlds were framed by the word of God. There was no witness to God’s creative act. God revealed the creation account to Moses and he recorded it.
Creation has been a subject of debate because carnal understanding is incompatible with faith. The Lord through history has proven that we can have faith in His promises for He brings all His promises to pass. The belief in the existence of God is also derived from faith, and His works are evident both in the things that He has made and also in the conscience. The text gives several examples of people who acted by faith and God subsequently vindicated their trust. It began with Abel. Man learned to worship God from that early time. Abel thus offered a lamb for sacrifice but his brother offered the fruits of the field. It is not revealed as to who had instructed him to offer a better sacrifice. God honoured him and his faith still speaks today.
The other example in the ancient world is Enoch. The text says that he was translated and did not see death. His works pleased God and he was accorded that privilege of going to heaven directly without the pain of death. This was a wonderful reward of faith.
THOUGHT: The journey of faith is the journey of salvation.
PRAYER: Father, may I have the faith of Abel and Enoch.