FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31
Hebrews 11:36-38
Hebrews 11:13

“… strangers and pilgrims
on the earth …”

OF WHOM THE WORLD WAS NOT WORTHY (II)

God’s perspective is different from the world’s. The saints are precious in His sight. They are God’s children, and also His messengers and witnesses to the world in darkness. The presence of believers in the world is proof of God’s mercy and longsuffering to wicked and sinful men (2 Pet 3:9). In fact, the proclamation of God’s Word through God’s servants is a privilege that the world does not deserve. The reverse is true: the world is not worthy of the saints!

Hebrews 11:38a is thus a wonderful encouragement to anyone who is suffering for the sake of Christ. The incessant insults, scorn and persecutions can at times be extremely discouraging to believers. Though we know that the world may look down on us, all our labours that are done for Christ are not in vain (1 Cor 15:58). Calvin astutely noted that “though the world may cast Christians out as offscourings,” they can be comforted “that the same things happened to the prophets, who found more clemency in wild animals than in men.” The Christian knows that it will be worth it all when life’s journey is over for he will be in the presence of Christ and find eternal rest in his Saviour.

On the other hand, these words also serve as a warning to Christians who are mired in worldliness. Why seek the world when the world is not worthy of the saints! A Christian ought to be characterised by love for God’s Word instead of the world (1 John 2:15-17). He must set his affections on things above and not the things of the earth (Col 3:2). How about you?

A believer ought to reject worldly philosophies and ideas, and pursue after godliness. However, the Scripture warns us that “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim 3:12), for we live in a world that hates Christ and His Word. In such times, recall Hebrews 11:38a. The world is not worthy of the saints!

THOUGHT: A Christian must set his affection on things above.
PRAYER: Father, may I not be attracted by the things of the world.