FAITH OF OUR FATHERS LIVING FAITH! SACRIFICIAL FAITH! CONQUERING FAITH!

The life of faith is the only life that pleases God. In the epistle to the Hebrews Chapter 11, the first seven verses is the record of life of faith as lived by the Patriarchs. We read about Enoch’s faith and confidence in God (Heb. 11:4); it was Noah’s faith that provided a covering for the members of his household and so, he and they were saved from the flood. Abraham’s faith was indeed a living faith. At an advanced age, he was called to go to a foreign land, threatened with homelessness; yet he believed God, and the land later belonged to his descendants forever (Heb. 11:8-10). By the time Sarah gave birth to Isaac, every hope of having a baby was gone, yet she also believed God (Heb. 11:11-12).

Living faith is obedient faith, and it always sees beyond the present, far into the future, with belief that God is well able to do what He says (Heb. 11: 13-15). The peak of Abraham’s faith was when he was tested to sacrifice Isaac as a burnt offering to God. He did not doubt that the message was from God. He obeyed, and it was to his credit.

Living faith is a sacrificial faith. Many people in the Scripture made remarkable sacrifice in order to prove their faith in God. In 2 Samuel 24:24, David determined never to sacrifice a burnt offering to his God that cost him nothing. Rather than the safe haven in Pharaoh’s palace, Moses’ faith made him to identify with the sufferings of his people (Heb. 11: 24-26). The three Hebrew young men sacrificed their lives and took a risk by refusing to bow to the golden image set up by King Nebuchadnezzar only to prove their faith in God who alone must be worshipped (Daniel 3). Esther also sacrificed her life on account of faith. She took a risk to meet the king, her husband, when according to law it was not a good time for her to meet the king where he was and at that point in time. She sacrificed her live and took the risk when she said “…and if I perish, I perish…” (Esther 4:16).

Living faith is a conquering faith. People of faith are always victorious. Although, sometimes their victory is disguised in seeming defeat. For instance, the victories wrought through Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, and David, Samuel and the prophets were remarkable. These people never took “NO” for an answer. They got what they wanted. Enemies fled from them. They raised the dead back to live (Heb. 11:33-35a). They were victorious. However, we need to see the other side of their victories in Heb. 11:35b-38.

Faith is ever alive. Faith helps us see what is invisible to other, hear what is inaudible to others and do what others find impossible.

May the Lord renew our faith and help us to continue in the life of faith no matter the sacrifice that goes with it. Amen.

Extract from 2014 Daily Guide (Wednesday, Oct. 15 – Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014).