Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Faith that turns ashes into glory

Bible Reading: :Hebrews 11:1-12

Key verse:  

Bible Verse::  Hebrews 11:1 “ Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see “ 

DEVOTION

Hebrews Chapter 11 is often referred to as ‘Chapter of Faith ‘. This chapter elaborates the power and importance of faith in the lives of believers.  The chapter gives us glimpses that outline the impact of faith in life of various Biblical characters in the Old Testament.  The unwavering faith that fortifies and guides those who trust in promises of God. 
As we focus on today’s devotional portion, the chapter starts in verses 1-3 off with the definition of faith and the foundational understanding of what faith is in the life of believer. Faith as the definition goes is defined as having an emotional as well as intellectual dimension. This twin aspects means faith involves an unwavering belief in God’s promises and deep-seated trust of how God works in our lives. The reference to the creation of the universe, is to God who brought creation into existence much beyond what is fathomable to the mind or visible.  We read further in verses 4-7 , the examples of faith of several Biblical characters in the Old Testament. We see how Abel, the son of Adam, whose sacrifices were based on his faith which made it more acceptable to God as it comes from heart that is filled with devotion to God. We read the faith of Enoch, and how his faith was so profound that it led to Enoch not experiencing death and being simply taken to be united with God. We read of the faith of Noah, who through the devastating floods, exhibited a life full of faith and obedience that led not only to the preservation of mankind but also demonstrated the righteousness that comes with faith.  As we read further in verses 8-12 , we see that Abraham is the pivotal character in these verses and writer of the book of Hebrews uses the next few verses to elaborate the various aspects, that is central to Abraham’s faith. Abraham, upon God’s calling, left behind his family and homeland, and showcases his trust in the promises of God.  Abraham as he lived, in a foreign land and faced various challenges and trials, trusted God for the fulfillment of God’s promises. Additionally, we are given insights to Abraham’s wife Sarah, who not only places her faith in God but in her strength to act upon that belief, even when, she is well advanced in age to give birth to a child. Thus Abraham and Sarah in these few verses demonstrates the forward-looking aspect of their faith and despite the challenges they face in the present times , look with hope to the future promises of God, thus showing how their faith turns ashes into glory. 
As we reflect on today’s devotion, in just the 12 verses in Hebrews Chapter 11, we see how faith is lined up as strong trust in the promises of God, capable of overcoming the present circumstances, enduring trials and looking forward to fulfillment of God’s promises.  We like the Biblical characters that we have learned about in these few verses, helps us emulate their examples and therefore establish ourselves strongly in the promises of God, that comes from God’s goodness in our lives. The role of faith in life of believer, helps us expand our walk to trust in God who offers us the hope for the fulfillment in the  promises of an Eternal God.

 

PRAYER

Almighty and Gracious Lord, as we dwell in the lives of the Old Testament Biblical characters in Hebrews Chapter 11, Let their lives and their remarkable faith in God, help us to live each day trusting in God and walking in faith, this we pray in Jesus Precious Name – AMEN.

Thought for the DAY

“ Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase “  - Martin Luther King Jr ( 1929-1968) 


Abraham Kurien, Immanuel Mar Thoma Church, Houston, Texas.

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