«Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen» (Hebrews 11:1).
KNOWN AS THE «CHAPTER of faith,» Hebrews 11 is an extraordinary chapter. Faith is having the certainty that we will receive what we expect, even if today we have no visible proof of that. Faith is essential, because only by it are we able to believe in the power of God and please Him.
Paul mentions at least sixteen heroes of faith by name and others in general and affirms what acts of faith they have performed. Thus, he mentions the suffering of these men and women: poverty, torture, shame, very cruel beatings, prison, and pressures, stoning, martyrdom, and death.
These heroes suffered and kept their faith steadfast in God. They resisted because they contemplated the invisible city, they endured because suffering for Christ was much better than all the riches of this world. They even faced death with hope in the resurrection.
And what was their reward? Acknowledgment from others, and temporary approval from God. But in the very near future, these men and women of faith will receive God’s full and eternal approval.
Ellen G. White recounts how the catacombs offered refuge to thousands of Christians. Beneath the earth and rock of the hills, on the outskirts of Rome, were dug miles of long, dark underground galleries. In these places Christ’s disciples buried their dead and made their homes when they were suspected and declared outlaws. «When the Life-giver shall awaken those who have fought the good fight, many a martyr for Christ’s sake will come forth from those gloomy caverns» (The Great Controversy, p. 40).
The world considers heroes those who win incredible matches, that seem impossible to win, at a disadvantage and in the face of adversity. Morality considers heroes those ordinary people who carry out their daily duties responsibly and faithfully and take their place in society. The Lord and Paul place in this gallery of heroes, that is still unfinished, all who faithfully live their faith.
Is your faith firm? Cultivate and strengthen your faith in the daily experiences of a life lived in dependence and total faithfulness to God.