Click for Chapter 12

Heb. 11:1 ¶ Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 

“faith” = persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher)

“substance” = a setting under (support…assurance (objectively or subjectively):—confidence

“hoped for” = to expect; from a root that states “to anticipate, usually with pleasure”

“evidence” = proof, conviction

I thought it was important to understand these words as we prepare to understand the faith of the individuals that are singled out for reference in this “honor roll” of believers.  Most of the words are used in a different context of understanding today.  We think of substance as something that can be seen and touched.  We use hope to indicate desire or something wished for, but not necessarily with confidence of attainment.  As with substance, we think of evidence as tangible or discernible by sight or reason.

In the Greek these words are more rooted in a person’s being and state of mind.  I’m not sure I’m saying it the right way, but the meanings of these words are not rooted in the tangible.  To the person of faith, however, their persuasion or conviction of the truth as revealed in God’s word is the very foundation upon which he/she lives life—a foundation just as solid and firm as any tangible or material foundation for any structure can be.  Their faith is rooted in what cannot be seen.  This faith, however, is not blind faith.  There is a wealth of evidence in God’s word, in history, and in the creation to support their faith.

I liked this thought from Stedman:  “Faith commences with ‘things hoped for,’ that is, it starts with a sense of discontent….Perhaps there are many who would like to have faith, but are never ready for it, because they are not dissatisfied. They must demand of life more than the mere mechanics of living. You want more, do you not? You are looking for something better. Then that is the first note of faith.

Heb. 11:2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 

“obtained a good report” = to be a witness, i.e. testify… be well reported of

I thought the Greek made reference to two sides of the coin.  The elders, or men of faith from ages past, gave witness to their faith by how they lived; and that witness earned them a good report not only from other people of faith—but from Almighty God.

Heb. 11:3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. 

Though we cannot prove it through the scientific method, people of faith are absolutely convinced that God created the universe by speaking it into existence.  Understand is a reference to comprehending truth through exercising our mind as we observe and consider the evidence of creation.  Evolutionists try to tell us that all of a sudden there was an explosion of something out of nothing.  Though we cannot explain God, the evidence of His design in creation is too obvious to ignore.  It takes much more “faith” to believe the theory of evolution than it does to accept the words of Almighty God that He spoke the creation into existence according to His good pleasure.

Psalm 33:6-9 “By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth….Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.  For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.”

Revelation 4:11 “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

Heb. 11:4 ¶ By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. 

This verse begins a listing of people of faith that I believe God chose specifically to encourage us in our own walk of faith as we await the return of Jesus to establish His Kingdom on earth.

Abel is singled out for submission and obedience in sacrifice.  The word “gifts” is a reference to sacrifice.  God personally testified or witnessed and gave good report of that sacrifice.  Jon Courson helped me to see that Abel was being obedient and, in fact, knew what God expected from him (although the record in Genesis only infers that).  He quoted Paul’s words to the Romans.

Romans 10:17 “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

With that verse and this verse in Hebrews the Holy Spirit is telling us that Abel had heard God’s words of instruction and responded in obedience.  

It just stood out to me that Abel’s sacrifice was considered more valuable than Cain’s because it was done in faithful obedience to God’s instruction.  Cain’s sacrifice is recognized for what it is—less in value because it was chosen in accordance with his own will rather than God’s will.  Abel’s testimony was one of righteousness, while Cain’s was one of pride.  Although Abel has been dead for thousands of years, God is still using his example of faithful obedience to speak to people of faith today.

As I continued to think about this verse, it’s a shame that it is the actions of Cain that seem to be the more emulated in the “church” today.  We say we want to honor God, but we want to do it on our own terms.  We want to be selective in the areas of life that we are willing to submit to God as LORD.  We want to choose the sacrifices we make according to our own will and purposes more often than not.  The truth is that sacrifices made in that spirit are not true sacrifices at all, because the cost does not truly cause us to die to self and yield in obedience to God’s will.

Heb. 11:5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

Enoch is singled out next.  He was privileged to be taken to the presence of God without experiencing physical death.  The reason given for this privilege—“he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”  

One can’t help but wonder, “Why Enoch?”  There are many other men of faith recorded in scripture whose lives seemed to have pleased God.  It stands out to me that not much else is known about Enoch.  In that regard, he is an encouragement to the many people of faith who, though not well known, have a testimony before others that declares they trust God as LORD.  

Because God’s plan has been in place since before creation, I think God established Enoch as a specific example of encouragement to those in the church who would be looking for the rapture.  All those in the body of Christ are clothed in the righteousness of Jesus and are, therefore, pleasing to God.  Just as surely as Enoch was taken without seeing death, so too will be the body of believers who are living at the time so designated on God’s calendar in deliverance of His coming wrath.

2Corinthians 5:21 “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

1Corinthians 15:51-52  “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”

In fact, the Holy Spirit is saying that Enoch was translated with the intent that he not experience death—just as those who will experience the rapture.

Heb. 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. 

It is significant to me that this verse is placed right after the reference to Enoch.  It is not how well known we are or how important we are perceived to be in the eyes of others that positions us as pleasing to God.  It is our faith that pleases God.  To be able to draw near (from the Greek for “cometh”) to God requires that one believe:  

1. that He is.

2. that He rewards those that diligently seek Him.

To believe that God is makes reference to God as recorded in scripture through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  This is not referencing unknowable “higher powers” or the false gods of other religions.  It is not a reference to an unknowable universal life force.  The One True God has revealed Himself to us through His word, His creation, people of faith, and most completely in His Son Jesus Christ.  Those who claim that there is no God or reject the one true God will not be allowed into His presence; they will be eternally separated from Him—the most awful aspect of eternal condemnation.

Those who truly want to please God will “diligently seek Him.”  The Greek for that phrase makes reference to searching out, craving and worshipping Him.  This is very thought provoking.  How many of us can actually use those words to describe our attitude toward God?  I know that for most of my life, it would not have been an accurate description of me.  I was actually more concerned with pleasing men than pleasing God.  I was serving in the church, but not always with a pure heart—though it pains me now to admit it.  I can, however, rejoice that I now have a far better understanding of God’s faithfulness and love in retrospect.   No matter how weak my life revealed my faith to be, God’s faithfulness never wavered.  I relate very personally to Jesus’ teaching that those who have been forgiven much, love much. 

Heb. 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. 

Next up is Noah.  Noah’s example is one of obeying God in response to revelation concerning things that were as yet unknown at the time.  Rain did not become a part of the weather cycle until the flood; the earth was watered by a mist from the earth until that time.

Genesis 2:6 “But there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground.”

Scripture indicates that at one point in time God determined to destroy man after 120 years and singled out Noah as the recipient of this decision.  Although I don’t think one can be dogmatic from the biblical record, many conclude that Noah spent most of that designated time building the ark.

Genesis 6:3 & 13-14 “And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years….And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. Make thee an ark of gopher wood….”

Common sense tells me that it took Noah a long time to build the ark considering the building tools available to him and the size of the ark.  So no matter the timeframe, Noah’s obedience in building the ark would have placed him in a position of ridicule before his neighbors for a long period of time.  Peter tells us that Noah was a preacher of righteousness, so we know he was faithful in declaring God’s truth throughout the process.

2Peter 2:5 “And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly….”

Noah wasn’t daunted by ridicule or the immensity of the task God had assigned him.  He proceeded in faith to obey God without question (according to the biblical record).  

Noah is an amazing example of stepping out in faith and obedience to God’s leading in the life of each child of God.  We don’t need to understand how or why; we just need to step out in faith and obedience, trusting that God will provide as He guides.  He is also a significant example of the fact that our obedience to God has a direct impact on our family.

Heb. 11:8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 

Heb. 11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 

Abraham was called out from an idolatrous culture to leave family and follow God’s leading to a new land where God promised to make of him a great nation. Not only that, He promised that through Abraham ALL families of the earth would be blessed.  That promise was repeated to his son Isaac and his grandson Jacob.

It was interesting to me in my study of Genesis to find that although Abraham was of the 10th generation from Shem, Shem was still alive when Abraham was born and actually lived 210 years more.  There is so much left out of the story that I would like to know, but I do believe that Abraham knew about Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth.  I think God must have chosen Abraham  because He knew him to be an humble man who feared the God he did not really know.

Crazy thought just hit me—Shem lived for 210 years after Abraham was born.  Melchisedec is only identified by his title, but he was obviously known by Abraham.  Could Shem be Melchisedec?  It would not ruin the type for the priesthood since his heritage was not identified.   Just thinking…

I think it is also important to note that Abraham didn’t have a clue where he was going, but that didn’t deter him from stepping out in faith to follow God’s leading.  According to the biblical record, Abraham, like Noah, unhesitatingly stepped out in faith and obedience to God’s call.  Abraham’s obedience shows him to be a man who honored God over and above family.  This reminds me of the LORD’s own words.

Matthew 10:37 “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”

Even when he got to the “land of promise,” Abraham didn’t whine and complain when God didn’t give him the land right away.  Although scripture records that he questioned God and that he made some big mistakes along the way, he never rebelled against God.  Even when God told him that his descendants would serve as slaves in a foreign nation for 400 years before inheriting “the promised land,” he did not waver in his faith and obedience to God.

Abraham speaks to the person of faith of the necessity of putting God first and foremost in your life—over and above even family.  Abraham also speaks to me about not allowing expectations to cause you to stumble in your faith.  He didn’t turn around and go back home when he realized that he wouldn’t see God’s promises to him fulfilled and that his whole life would be lived as a nomad dwelling in tents in the land that God promised to give him.

Abraham is also a wonderful example of God’s faithfulness in spite of our unfaithfulness along the way.  He loves us enough to let us learn from our mistakes as He faithfully propels us forward to accomplish His will.  It’s one of the most amazing testimonies to me to the power of Almighty God that He allows each one of His children to make their own choices along the way, yet the bad choices we make are never allowed to thwart His purposes.

Heb. 11:10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 

This verse has always intrigued me.  It seems to indicate that Abraham expected God to establish a city in which He would dwell with Abraham and his descendants.  I believe that expectation will be realized with the advent of the New Jerusalem when Christ comes to establish His earthly throne in Jerusalem from which He will rule in the Millennium.  In retrospect, it is just intriguing to me that Abraham would have a grasp of that truth.  It intrigues me in the same way that Job understood that he would one day see God in his flesh.  The study of the scripture continually reminds me that we are only given a small part of the story.  I expect to be truly amazed by the things that will be revealed to us in the future regarding the whole story.

Heb. 11:11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. 

I was surprised to find that some of the translations of this verse kept the focus on Abraham’s faith, and not Sarah’s.  I personally believe the focus to be on Sarah as stated in the KJV and others, because God seemed to go out of His way to include women in the biblical record despite the fact that women were not held in the same esteem as men in that culture at that time.  As we have noted before, God is no respecter of persons; and I believe He included a record of women, both good and bad, as an encouragement and/or warning to women of faith.

The biblical record tells us that Sarah made mistakes and had doubts along the way in her journey of faith, but she is singled out as recognizing that God’s faithfulness is not dependent upon ours.  

I relate to Sarah in several ways.  When encouraging her husband to take matters into his own hands regarding obtaining an heir, she justified her decision as one that could be according to God’s will.  She knew that God had promised them a son, but she also recognized the physical facts that her childbearing years were at an end.  So, she figured she would help God out.  I can’t tell you how many decisions I have made in life using faulty justification that I wish I could take back!   

I also relate to Sarah in that God appears to have honored her heart and not her actions.  In spite of the many mistakes I have made as a wife and mom along the way, I feel like God has honored my heart so to speak.  I’ve always desired to raise my children to serve the LORD, and they all have a strong testimony of love for the LORD and seem to be on solid paths of continued spiritual growth.  

Sarah is also an example of the fact that “nothing is impossible with God.”  (Luke 1:37)  It took me many years before I ventured out in a step of faith that seemed unwise from a reasonable and logical human perspective, but which I believe was God’s will for me and has proven to grow me spiritually while giving me opportunity to serve Him in ways I would never have expected.

Heb. 11:12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. 

The “him” in this verse is a reference to Abraham, but both Abraham and Sarah were “as good as dead” regarding physical ability to produce a child.  Again, in spite of doubts and questions that arose along the way, the biblical record gives evidence that this couple continued following God in faith and obedience.  I believe the birth of Isaac served to strengthen their faith even further.

It’s interesting to me that Abraham was promised progeny through Isaac that would be as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore.  Like his father, Isaac had to wait many years before producing heirs, and that promise was to be fulfilled through only one of his sons, Jacob.  Finally, it was through Jacob’s twelve sons that the nation of Israel was born.  It just emphasizes again how God’s ways are so different from ours.  I can’t help but wonder why He waited to establish the nation through Abraham’s grandson.  I think He was establishing a foundation of faith upon which Abraham’s descendants would be able to build that would bind them together as a unique people before the LORD.

Heb. 11:13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 

“These all” = Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and Sarah

The Holy Spirit is revealing to us that these people of faith all understood and were convinced that based on His promises to them, God had a plan for them that would be fulfilled in the distant future.  They all considered themselves “strangers and pilgrims” on the earth; in other words, they knew they had a heavenly future.

It was interesting to me that the reference is to “promises,” plural.  It would seem to me that the one promise that would apply to them all was the promise of the Messiah as stated in Genesis 3:15.  

Genesis 3:15 “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”

It would also seem that they all, like Job…

Job 19:25–27 “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.”

…had some sort of understanding regarding a future in the presence of God.  Abraham and Sarah, of course, had the further promise of birthing a chosen people before the LORD that would be innumerable, would inherit the promised land forever, and would be a blessing to all nations on earth—through Jesus, the promised Messiah.  Again, I can’t wait to know the rest of the story.

Heb. 11:14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 

Heb. 11:15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 

Heb. 11:16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. 

“such things” = that they are strangers and pilgrims on the earth

I thought it was interesting that the Greek for “country” in verse 14 made reference to “fatherland and heavenly home (figuratively),” but only one translation picked up on that (the CJB).  The fact that they considered themselves strangers and pilgrims on the earth indicates that they were looking for a home elsewhere; and since the context is regarding their faith in God, it would make sense to be referencing a “heavenly home.”  It’s also interesting to note that “heaven” in our way of thinking is the “Father’s land.”  

In emphasizing that their expectation was other-worldly, they weren’t thinking about previous earthly homelands.  Verse 16 finally specifies that their expectation was heavenly.  To live in the presence of God is far better than any other homeland.

We learned in verse 6 that our faith pleases God, the very opposite of causing Him shame.  We honor Him and glorify Him through our faith in Him.  The writer then goes on to affirm the words of the Savior.  He has prepared a heavenly Jerusalem for people of faith.  This was what Jesus was referring to in His words as recorded in John 14.

John 14:2 “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”

The Old Testament men and women of faith find their salvation in Jesus just as surely as do those of us who are part of the true church.  Their faith was in God’s provision for them through His Son just as surely as is ours; the only difference being that we know the identity of Messiah.  

Heb. 11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 

Heb. 11:18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 

Heb. 11:19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. 

Abraham is also singled out for his willingness to follow God in faith and obedience even to the sacrifice of his son Isaac—the son through whom God had declared He would fulfill His promise to him.  The Greek for “tried” makes reference to testing, examining and proving.  Obviously, God already knew what Abraham’s response would be.  I believe this exercise was specifically directed toward allowing both Abraham and Isaac to examine their own faith and see it proven genuine.  I am sure this test became an anchor in the spiritual growth of both men.  Abraham proved his faith by unhesitatingly preparing to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command.  He didn’t waver in his commitment to God as his LORD because he knew that God would honor His covenant, even if He had to raise Isaac from the dead to do it.  After all, Isaac had been born through God’s miraculous intervention.  His purpose being accomplished, God did intervene and provided Himself a lamb before Abraham carried through with the sacrifice of His son.  When it came to the sacrifice of His own Son, however, God did not intervene.  He willingly sacrificed His own Son to provide our redemption, proving yet again His unconditional love and faithfulness to His word. 

Heb. 11:20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 

This one is a bit harder.  Isaac is singled out for blessing Jacob and Esau regarding their future and that of their descendants.

The biblical record shows that Isaac was deceived into blessing Jacob with all the rights of the firstborn and only blessed Esau after much pleading from his son.  The record indicates that he had intended to ignore God’s instruction and bless Esau instead of Jacob.  It is interesting to note that though he questioned Jacob’s claim to be Esau, he didn’t let his doubt deter him from pronouncing his fullest blessing upon the deceiver.  Neither does the record express that Isaac rebuked Jacob for his deceit.  In fact, he seems to have understood right away that he had done the right thing.

Genesis 27:33 “And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed.”

In fact, before sending Jacob off to get a wife from among his kinsman, Isaac repeated his blessing and acknowledged him as the rightful heir to Abraham’s covenant promises.

Genesis 28:3-4 “And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people; And give thee the blessing of Abraham, to thee, and to thy seed with thee; that thou mayest inherit the land wherein thou art a stranger, which God gave unto Abraham.”

Neither did Isaac balk at pronouncing a blessing on Esau that declared him destined to be a man of war and servant to his brother. 

These actions proved that Isaac did acknowledge God as LORD and had faith that God would fulfill His promises through Abraham.  I believe he was just as sure that his blessing over Esau would come to pass as well.

Isaac gives us a distinct example of the truth that God’s plan will come to pass with or without our cooperation.  (Obviously, God would have seen that Jacob was blessed without Rachel’s and Jacob’s deception.)  Though we as people of faith may choose to be disobedient at times, we cannot thwart God’s purposes.  We may cause ourselves more heartache and suffering in the process, but God’s plan will unfold according to His purpose.  Isaac ended up being unnecessarily separated from his son for many years due to his planned disobedience.

Heb. 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. 

The reference to Jacob here is recorded in Genesis 48.  The account is very specific regarding Jacob’s deliberate action in granting the greater blessing to the younger Ephraim.  His blessing reflected faith that he was expressing God’s plan for his two grandsons.  It’s only through the Spirit’s revelation through the writer of Hebrews that we know Jacob was worshipping and supported by his staff; the Genesis account states that he was sick, but that he “strengthened” himself to sit up on the bed and bless the boys.  In looking at the meaning of worship, it becomes clear that Jacob was honoring God through his actions.

Jacob is a beautiful example of dying grace in acceptance of God’s will.  It emphasizes to me that, though not often as obvious as in Jacob’s life, the life of the person of faith has purpose to the very end.  Scripture is clear in stating that our days are numbered from birth according to God’s determination.

Job 14:1 & 5 “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble….Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass….”

Psalm 39:4 “LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days….”

Again, though we may not understand God’s purposes, we can be sure that as the author of life, He is the only One with the authority to take life and we should honor every life—even when we don’t understand His purpose in extending that life.

Heb. 11:22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. 

The faith of Joseph is singled out in reference to God’s promise to Abraham regarding possession of the land of Canaan.

Genesis 50:24 "And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.”

The wording in Genesis makes me think that he was aware of God’s words to Abraham concerning his descendants serving in affliction in a foreign land for 400 years.

Genesis 15:13 “And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years….”

In spite of the fact that approximately 300 years would elapse before that time of deliverance, Joseph declared his faith in God by getting his family to commit to taking his bones with them to bury them in the promised land.  

I especially relate to Joseph as I pray for God’s will to be done in the lives of my family and to bring loved ones to saving faith.  I know I am praying in God’s will, and I know His word is true.

1John 5:14 “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us….”

2Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

Joseph had faith that God would do what He said.  I truly believe we miss out on much that is available to us through faith if we would but ask.  There are so many times in scripture that the LORD basically says, “Be it done unto you according to your faith.”

Matthew 9:20-22 & 28-29 “And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment:  For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.  But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole…..And when he was come into the house, the blind men came to him: and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto him, Yea, Lord.  Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you.”

Matthew 15:28 “Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.”

Mark 2:5 “When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.”

As I read through this section again, I felt it was important to clarify that I know that it is God’s will for all to come to repentance and that I know God’s word is true.  The weak link in the process is my faith.  

Luke 17:6 “And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.”

Matthew 21:21-22 “Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”

Mark 11:24 “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.”

I realize that as I pray for my loved ones, I also need to pray for the LORD to grow my faith to the size of that mustard seed.

Heb. 11:23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment. 

In this verse God commends the faith of Moses’ parents.  This is interesting wording because what parent wouldn’t think their child to be beautiful (from the Greek for proper, which states “handsome, fair”).  I think the truth is that they feared God more than the king.  I believe that a regard for human life is one of those things that God imprints on man’s conscience.  

Romans 1:18-19 “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.”

Job knew it:  Job 12:9-10 “Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this?  In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.”

Evidently, the midwives knew it as well:  Exodus 1:16-17 “And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools; if it be a son, then ye shall kill him: but if it be a daughter, then she shall live.  But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.”

As with Cain and Abel, although scripture doesn’t record specific instruction regarding God’s law until the time that Moses received it at Mt. Sinai, the people knew much about God’s moral law before that time.

The parents of Moses are a prime example of stepping out in faith to honor God in defiance of the laws of man that go against God’s will.  I believe that Christians in America today are soon going to face a similar testing of their faith.  There have already been examples in the news of Christians being taken to court for refusing to compromise their beliefs on the job or in their business.  For example:  "Las Cruces Sun-News:  ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.—A professional photographer who refused to take pictures of a gay couple’s commitment ceremony because of her religious beliefs violated New Mexico discrimination law, a human rights panel ruled….The commission’s one-page ruling Wednesday said Elane Photography violated the state Human Rights Act by discriminating against Willock on the basis of sexual orientation, and should pay $6,637 for Willock’s attorney’s fees and costs. “ 

As I am doing a review of this book, we are in the midst of the chaotic events that are marking the year 2020.  It’s becoming more and more clear that many of the ruling authorities on the left in particular are revealing their intent to strip us of our religious liberties.  Based on scripture, I believe that true followers of the LORD are looking at a future in which the forces of the enemy are going to continue to gain in power.  I believe that to stand strong in one’s faith is going to get harder and harder as persecution grows and the culture continues to embrace more and more that directly goes against God’s revealed will.  May we all prove to exhibit the type of faith that God could consider adding to this list of believers in Hebrews 11.  Come Lord Jesus!  

Heb. 11:24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; 

Heb. 11:25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; 

Heb. 11:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. 

Heb. 11:27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. 

This is a very interesting commendation of faith to me.  It seems clear to me from the account in Exodus 2 that Moses knew he was a Hebrew and that he had compassion for the plight of his people.  He intervened to save a life with the thought that no one was aware of his action, but he did intervene.  Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Luke records the words of Stephen in Acts 7 in which we are informed that Moses was 40 at that time.  He also adds the revelation that Moses thought that his people realized that God would use him to deliver them.

Acts 7:25 “For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.”

There is no indication that Moses thought he would have to leave Egypt before delivering his people, but he had to run away for fear of getting punished for the murder of an Egyptian.  That’s what makes verse 25 a bit confusing.  The fact is that he did suffer affliction with the people of God rather than enjoy the privilege of position that was his as Pharaoh’s daughter’s son, a prince of Egypt; but it didn’t seem from the record that he was making that choice at the time he intervened on behalf of the Hebrew slave.  He was hoping to get away with it.  In choosing to obey God and confront Pharaoh, however, he did directly align himself with God’s people in faith that God would do as He said.  

Verse 26 is another time I really wish I knew Greek.  I know that Moses was acting in faith and obedience toward God, but there is nothing in the record to indicate that he was acting with knowledge concerning the Christ, the Messiah. In my mind, the Spirit is making a comparison to the willingness of Moses to suffer whatever was required in following God in obedience because he knew that the reward would far exceed the suffering—as did Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

2Corinthians 4:17 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory….”

Hebrews 12:2 “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

I finally realized that the reference to leaving Egypt in verse 27 was in reference to when he finally got to lead the people out.  By that time, his faith was firmly rooted in the character of God; and he knew that God would deliver them.  He could not see God, but he had seen ample evidence of His power and authority through the plagues; and he unhesitatingly led the people out of Egypt with confidence that God would provide for them according to His word.

Moses is an example to the believer in many areas.

• He chose righteous action over selfish inaction.

• He didn’t let the possibility of suffering deter him from obedience.

• He recognized that the pleasures of sin are only temporary.

• He knew that God’s reward would far exceed any personal sacrifice he might make in obeying Him.

• He feared God more than earthly kings.

• He recognized that the key to success was to keep his focus on God.

Wiersbe:  “The phrase ‘pleasures of sin’ does not refer only to lust and other gross sins.  The phrase describes a way of life that we today would call ‘successful’—position, prestige, power, wealth, and freedom from problems.”

Heb. 11:28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 

The wording of this verse is interesting.  “He” (Moses) kept Passover, lest the destroyer touch “them” (the people of Israel).  I think the emphasis is on the faith of Moses in leading the people according to God’s instruction, but the faith of the people is also being indirectly commended.  Considering their knowledge of God’s power as experienced through the nine preceding plagues, they were ready to obey their leader as God’s representative.  

It took the death of the firstborn to bring about deliverance for God’s people, but in His grace and mercy He provided for a substitute for the Israelites through their Passover lambs.  In the end it took the death of God’s firstborn Son, Jesus the Christ, to serve as the Passover lamb for all who would come to Him in faith.  I am continually amazed at God’s unconditional love in response to His people—both then and now.  I am so looking forward to the day when I know my every action will be from a pure heart in love and obedience to my Father in heaven.

I think it is important to note that Moses was leading according to God’s instruction.  Though Moses was privileged to have God speak to Him personally, leaders in the church today have an extensive record in scripture of God’s will to guide them through the leading and teaching of the Holy Spirit.  Sadly, I think that too often leaders in the church today step out in their own wisdom according to their own agenda.  Everything Moses did directed the attention of the people to God.  More and more often in the church today, the attention of the people is directed to the messenger.

Heb. 11:29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. 

This too is an interesting verse.  Both the Israelites and the Egyptians ventured to cross the Red Sea on dry land, but only the Israelites crossed with faith in their God for deliverance.  The Egyptians were proceeding with evil intent and foolish pride and were destroyed.  

In this instance the people of Israel gave testimony to the importance of a unified spirit of faith in God in response to the attack of the enemy.  

Heb. 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. 

Again, this reference to faith appears to refer to the people.  It’s interesting that the faith of the people is recognized in crossing the Red Sea and in the taking of Jericho.  These represent times when the people were unified in their faith.  The time of wandering in the wilderness is completely ignored.  

No military leader would devise a plan that involved marching around a city in silence for seven days while following a sacred object.  The record in Joshua tells us that this was the action of 40,000 men of war.  On the seventh day they were to march around the city seven times and then the priests were to blow the rams horns and the people were to shout.  Their faithful obedience would result in the walls of the city falling down flat.  It is quite clear to me that this plan would require a unified spirit of faith since it defies all logic and reason.  (See Joshua 4-6 for complete story.)

Again, I am reminded of how God’s thoughts and ways are so far beyond our comprehension.

Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.  For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

I am reminded that the people of Israel were not privileged to experience the indwelling security of the Holy Spirit.  Their strength was in unity of spirit in faith and obedience.  When they chose to place their faith in other men rather than in God through His chosen leader, Moses, they suffered the consequences.  Just as with the wilderness generation, the “church” today is composed of true people of faith and impostors or unbelievers, wheat and tares.  (See journal on Matthew 13.)  Our testimony is most effective when we act in unity of spirit in faith and obedience to God.  

Heb. 11:31 By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. 

This is yet another interesting verse.  We are told that Rahab acted in faith which means that she believed in God.  Her response to the spies was enlightening.

Joshua 2:9-11 “And she said unto the men, I know that the LORD hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you.  For we have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt; and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites, that were on the other side Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom ye utterly destroyed.  And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.”

The scripture records that the king and his men intended to destroy the spies and take their stand against God and His people.  They knew that God had given the land to Abraham and his descendants through Isaac and Jacob.  They recognized God as LORD.  One can’t help but wonder what would have happened had they chosen to demonstrate belief in God and surrender.  

Rahab is a wonderful demonstration of faith in choosing to go against the crowd and act according to the truth, to what is right.  More often than not, yielding to peer pressure and going along with the crowd result in disappointment rather than happiness and bondage rather than freedom.

Scripture tells us that Rahab was a harlot (Joshua 2:1).  She is another beautiful example of God’s grace and mercy.  Her faith, as in the life of every believer, was evidenced by repentance and a complete change in her way of life.  God didn’t hold Rahab’s past against her; her ability to serve God wasn’t limited because of it.  Scripture records that she is one of the ancestors of Jesus the Christ.  

Matthew 1:5-6 & 16 “And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; And Jesse begat David the king…And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.”

What an amazing example of encouragement to anyone of God’s unconditional love.

Heb. 11:32 ¶ And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: 

Heb. 11:33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 

Heb. 11:34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 

At this point the writer begins to reference a general grouping of men of faith that was evidenced by mighty deeds.  

Gideon’s story is recorded in Judges 6-8.  He is widely known for his use of a fleece in attaining affirmation of his understanding of God’s will.  God used Gideon and his army of 300 (reduced from 22,000) to deliver Israel from the Midianites and Amalekites.  Gideon is a great encouragement to those of us who are hesitant to step out in faith without multiple affirmations that it is God’s will for us to do so.  Once he did step out, however, he kept moving forward in faith and obedience; he didn’t decide to turn tail and run, even when God’s instruction went against all logic and reason.

Barak led the army of Israel in defeat of the armies of Jabin, the king of Hazor in Canaan.  (This account is found in Judges 4-5.)  That the LORD singled Barak out for his faith is very thought-provoking, since the scripture records that he refused to go out to battle without Deborah, the prophetess who was serving as judge in Israel at that time.  Barak got his instruction through Deborah, and I think her willingness to go with him affirmed to him that her instruction was from God.  Though she told him that he would be upstaged by a woman in defeating Sisera, the captain of Jabin’s army, it did not deter him from obeying God’s instruction.  Barak was more concerned about accomplishing God’s will than in gaining personal glory.  That should be the mindset of every person of faith today, especially those in leadership in the church.

Samson (whose life is recorded in Judges 13-16) is next on the list.  Most of the scriptural record about Samson is not positive.  Although separated from birth to be bound to the Nazarite vow, he ignores his vow, he is prideful and he is ruled by the lust of the flesh.  Still, he served to protect Israel from the Philistines for a time and eventually proved his faith in God in acting to bring judgment upon the Philistines, knowing that he would die in the process.  Samson is another prime example of God’s unconditional love.  In spite of Samson’s very poor testimony of obedience to God, he apparently never lost faith in God.  Instead of refusing to hear Samson’s prayer, God chose to respond to Samson’s faith as he called out to Him in prayer.  It’s also interesting to note that Samson’s motive as recorded in Judges was to get vengeance for being blinded.  I believe God answered that prayer so as to declare Himself in contrast to Dagon, the false god of the Philistines.  Samson was recognized as God’s representative; therefore, the honor of God’s name was at stake in connection with Samson’s actions.  Though he had failed God miserably in many ways in his life (according to the record), Samson was a bold declaration of the power of Almighty God in death.  Isn’t it sad that so often it takes suffering to put us in position to best honor the LORD?

Jepthae was yet another judge of Israel whom God used to deliver his people from an enemy, the Ammonites.  (See Judges 11-12)  He is most known for his rash vow to sacrifice the first one to come out to meet him when he came home from victory—and it turned out to be his daughter, his only child.  God chooses to single out Jepthae for his faith in God to deliver God’s people—not for his foolish vow.  I admit that his story poses more questions, but I am not going to let that distract me at this point.  Jepthae’s faith resulted in action based on the revealed word of God and is a wonderful example of the victory that can be ours any time we step out in faith in God’s word.  If only the leaders of Israel had the same faith in God that Jepthae had regarding their right to the land today and his desire to give it back to them if they would but follow Him in faith and obedience.  I believe that day is coming sooner rather than later.  

It’s interesting to me that David is only mentioned as part of a group and not singled out.  Scripture records much about the life of David and how he was chosen by God to be the royal ancestor of Jesus Christ.  This whole chapter again examples how God’s ways are so different from our own.  I am sure I would have made a different list according to my reading of scripture, and David would have been prominent on that list.  David is described as a man after God’s own heart, yet he is just one of many in this listing of people of faith.  The grouping in this verse is one of men of might and valor, and we know more of David’s exploits than of any of the others.  This reference to David should serve to remind leaders in the church today that they are one among many and that their function in God’s overall plan, while more visible, is according to God’s choice and gifting and not because they are more worthy than those with seemingly minor roles in that plan.  David is a wonderful example of encouragement to believers that, in spite of falling into terrible sin, one can be forgiven and still be recognized as a mighty person of faith and honor before God.  

Samuel seems a bit out of place in this list.  I think Samuel is singled out as the first of the major prophets of God to minister to the nation of Israel, but he also served as a judge.  As I reviewed the story of Samuel, I was reminded how he led the people in sacrifice and prayer to defeat the Philistines through their faith in God (1Samuel 7).  I am also reminded how Samuel boldly confronted King Saul when he disobeyed God’s instruction; he stepped in to slay Agag, the king of the Amalekites, whose life Saul had recklessly and disobediently spared (1Samuel 15).  Samuel was not intimidated by Israel’s earthly king; he was intent on faithfully serving their heavenly King.  He is another example of the importance of leading through faith and submission to God as LORD.

The reference to the “prophets” certainly includes many wonderful men of faith that I would have probably singled out—Elijah, Elisha, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, and Ezekiel, to name a few.  The writer gives a disclaimer of not having the time to do justice to all those deserving of reference in this “honor roll” of people of faith.  He then proceeds to make reference to their actions of faith that were deserving of mention.

• They conquered kingdoms. – e.g., Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jepthae, David, Solomon

• They worked righteousness. – e.g., Elijah, Elisha, Samuel, Isaiah and all the prophets

• They received what was promised. – e.g., Caleb, Gideon, Jepthae, David

• They stopped the mouths of lions. – e.g., Samson, David, Daniel

• They quenched the violence of fire. – e.g., Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego

• They escaped the edge of the sword. – e.g., Moses, Elijah, Elisha, David

• They had their weakness turned to strength. – e.g., Abraham, Sarah, Samson, Gideon

• They grew mighty in battle and routed foreign armies. – e.g., Joshua, Gideon, Jepthae, David, Solomon

Heb. 11:35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 

Heb. 11:36 And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 

Heb. 11:37 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; 

Heb. 11:38 (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 

The list continues in reference to victories gained through unnamed people of faith.  (Some of these examples are taken from Ecclesiastical History, by Eusebius, and Fox’s Book of Martyrs.  As such, they are not the ones being referenced by the writer, but who nevertheless qualify because of their actions.)

• Women received back their dead through resurrection to life. – e.g., the widow of Zarephath, Mary & Martha

• Others endured torture rather than compromise their convictions for deliverance because they were focused on eternal reward. – e.g., Agapius, Alpheus, Apollonia, Origen, Polycarp

• Others endured mockings, scourgings, and imprisonment. – e.g., Jeremiah, Peter, Paul and Silas

• Others were stoned, sawn asunder, and killed with the sword. – e.g., Stephen, Isaiah, James (the brother of John)

• Others wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins while suffering due to physical needs, persecution and mistreatment. – e.g. – Elijah, John the Baptist

• Others wandered in deserts, mountains, dens and caves. – Moses, Elijah, David, John the Baptist

“were tempted” – The Greek for this phrase makes reference to testing and examination.  I think this would be applicable to all those mentioned in this chapter.  The faith of each one was tested and proven to be genuine.  

“of whom the world was not worthy” – As he closes his list, the writer makes a point of noting that these people of faith were worthy of more than this world ever afforded them.  All of this was, of course, allowed under God’s sovereign hand of authority.  I believe they all had the mindset of the Apostle Paul as expressed in his letter to the Romans.

Romans 8:18 “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”  

Heb. 11:39 And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: 

Heb. 11:40 God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. 

As the writer closes this chapter, he makes a point of noting that all these people singled out for their faith died without having received “the promise.”  I believe this to be a reference to resurrection to a glorified body and eternal life with the Father.  In God’s sovereign plan He has determined that people of faith under both the old and new covenants until the return of the Savior will be resurrected together.  Well, this just adjusted my thinking regarding the resurrections as I have been taught.  In looking over my notes on my topical study of this subject, I realized I again had made assumption according to previous teaching without really opening my eyes to possible error.  I think most assume that the Old Testament saints will be resurrected after the tribulation because of their reading of Daniel 12:1-2.  In reading it with new eyes, I now see that the reading allows for their inclusion in the rapture of the body of believers.  They are the dead “in Christ” (cf 1Thessalonians 4:16) just as surely as are those in the church, since He is the person through whom all men of faith were redeemed.

I don’t feel like I can leave this chapter without commenting on the fact that though many in this list did not experience physical lack or suffering for a good portion if not all of their lives, many more experienced great suffering, ridicule and death because of their faith.  That is not a truth that one will hear from the prosperity and seeker sensitive preachers that are most prominent in the church today.  The truth is that scripture teaches that the person of faith will suffer tribulation in this world.

John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Philippians 1:29 “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake….”

2Timothy 3:12 “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 

1Peter 1:6-7 “Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ….”

1Peter 2:20 “For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.”

1Peter 4:12-13 & 16 “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy….Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.”   

I believe that there are many who struggle to grow in faith because of unrealistic expectation as taught by irresponsible and/or false teachers.

Heb. 12:1 ¶ Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 

“Wherefore” – Based on what we just read

“compassed about…witnesses” – The writer is speaking in reference to the people of faith just talked about in chapter 11 and identifies them as witnesses.  Webster’s definition of a witness adds a lot of perspective:  “…testimony.…That which furnishes evidence or proof….One who is cognizant; a person who beholds, or otherwise has personal knowledge of, anything.”

Most significantly, their lives testify to us giving evidence of the power of faith in the life of an individual. To be surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses seems to make reference to a group of spectators watching a competition in context with the rest of the verse.  I know scripture refers to the angels not just as spectators, but as those ministering to us and engaged in spiritual warfare to help us.

2 Kings 6:15–17 “And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”

Daniel 10:12–13 “Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia.”

1 Corinthians 4:9 “For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.”

Hebrews 1:13–14 “But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”

When running a race, one can only do his best when free of extra weight or impediments.  In context, our race as believers is to finish the race or fight (from the Greek) of our life with faith.  This is in line with the message of the Apostle Paul to the Corinthians.

1Corinthians 9:24-27  “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.  And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.  I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:  But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”

And to Timothy:  1Timothy 6:12 “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”

Sin is obviously a great impediment to our success, and is compared to an extra weight that can be put aside.  It also jumped out that we are to “lay aside every weight AND the sin….”  Sin isn’t our only hindrance; sometimes the choices we make aren’t as distinct as between good and bad, but are often between good vs. better, with better obviously being less a hindrance.  Other “weights” that can hinder us if we allow them to are the trials and tribulations that are part of life on this earth.  If we keep our focus on the LORD, trusting that He is allowing these things for “good” (Romans 8:28), then we can continue to run without carrying the burden of worry that would cause us to stumble.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

It is interesting, however, to note that the writer makes note of the importance of running with patience as well.  The life of a believer is more to be compared to a marathon—not a sprint.  The Greek for patience states:  “cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy…patient continuance (waiting).”  In other words, it’s a reference to our attitude, our mindset as we run the designated course.  As I thought about that in connection with the verses in 1Corinthians, it made more sense.  Paul states that there is one winner in a race, and that we are to run to win.  Considering that we are all running on a different race course, we can all be winners.  And every true person of faith will be a winner.  How can I say this?  Because the fruition of true faith is the work of Christ in the individual.

Philemon 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ….”

I was about to move on to the next verse when I noticed that the race is before us.  We are not to be focused on what is in the past; we are to focus on what’s ahead. 

Heb. 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

In fact, the writer gets more specific as to our focus; it is to be on Jesus—the Author and Finisher of faith.  This emphasizes the truth of the verse in Philippians quoted above.  

“author” = chief leader, captain; Webster: The beginner, former, or first mover of anything; hence, the efficient cause of a thing; a creator; an originator.

“finisher” = completer, from root that includes perfecter; Webster: One who finishes, puts an end to, completes, or perfects…for the workman who gives a finishing touch to the work, or any part of it, and brings it to perfection.

This again gets into an area that I will probably only ever have a glimmer of understanding this side of heaven.  The scripture is clear that our Creator sovereignly chose to empower man with a will and holds him accountable to his choices.  Scripture just as surely teaches that God is not willing that any should perish.  

Ezekiel 18:20 & 32 “The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him….For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth, saith the Lord GOD: wherefore turn yourselves, and live ye.”

2Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”

John 3:16-17 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”

Also clearly taught in scripture is the truth that it is God’s work in us that effects salvation.

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ….”

2Timothy 1:8-9 “Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began….”

I accept this all by faith with confidence that His word is true and righteous and that some day I will be able to synthesize and explain it more fully.

I think the writer is also making reference to Jesus as the perfect example of living a spirit-filled life of faith.  He is the example we are to seek to emulate.

John 13:15 “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”

1Peter 2:21 “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps….”

John 10:27 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me….”

The more amazing truth of this verse is that Jesus considered enduring the cross and all its shame (from a human perspective) for the joy it would bring (from a spiritual perspective)—my redemption.  My heart tells me that the joy of the Son is rooted in the pleasure He was giving the Father through His obedience.  Scripture is full of the truth that Jesus was completely centered in doing the will of His Father.  

Mark 14:36 “And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.”

John 5:30 “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.”

John 8:29 “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.”

Galatians 1:3-4 “Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father….”

Jesus explained that his position at the right hand of the Father is a declaration of His power as God’s Son.

Mark 14:62 "And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.”

Luke 22:69-70 “Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.  Then said they all, Art thou then the Son of God? And he said unto them, Ye say that I am.”

The Holy Spirit declares through the words of Paul that it is a position of authority over all creation.

Ephesians 1:17-22 “That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him…according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church….”

In looking at the verses separately I almost missed an important point—We are to run our race “looking to the LORD Jesus.”  He is to be the center of our focus as we run this race; the Greek states to “consider attentively.”  Webster describes this as exclusive or earnest consideration.  If we take our focus off the LORD Jesus, we are more apt to stumble and suffer setbacks along the way.  I think Peter provides a perfect example of this truth when he stepped out to walk on the water.  It’s only when he took his eyes off Jesus that he began to sink.

Matthew 14:29–30 “And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.”

Heb. 12:3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 

“consider” = To fix the mind on, with a view to a careful examination; to think on with care; to ponder; to study; to meditate on.

When we take the time to consider Jesus and how He endured continued ridicule, scorn  and refutation from the religious leaders in particular against the truth He was teaching, it will serve to encourage us to keep on keeping on as we hold fast to our faith.  I think it is significant to note that the writer identifies this struggle as one of the mind.  Yes, the flesh and its lusts can exert great influence; but it is the attitude of the mind, the essence of our being, that is most significant to how we run the race.  Jesus was very clear in warning His disciples that they could expect no better treatment than He received as their Master.  

Matthew 10:22, 24-25 “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved….The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?”

The example of consistency and perseverance of Jesus in faith and obedience to His Father in light of the ridicule and rejection He experienced should serve to encourage every true believer to want to emulate that example.

Heb. 12:4 ¶ Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. 

This verse puts in perspective the strength of Jesus’ example.  The writer is reminding his audience that they have not yet been called upon to die because of their faith.  The implication seems to be that this could yet be in their future.

As I read through this verse again, it stood out to me that in connection with the comparison to Jesus, this verse reminds us that Jesus’ life was one of “striving against sin.”  Jesus didn’t live on autopilot as the Son of God and breeze through life as a man without confronting the temptations of sin.  As a man, He made full use of the power of the Spirit in choosing to reject sin and make choices according to the will of God—just as we, as believers, are empowered to do.  Instead of yielding to the flesh and pride, He overcame it.  His heart was completely yielded to the Father in faith; He never once exhibited one ounce of doubt that His Father knew what was best for Him.  He did not look forward to the cross; He endured the cross.  Webster tells us that endurance is to suffer patiently without yielding.

Heb. 12:5 And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: 

Heb. 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. 

The writer is making references to scripture that declare that God will chasten His children, those He loves.  Keeping in mind that this is a letter directed specifically to the Hebrews, this is an important foundation from the Old Testament to the message he is declaring.

Deuteronomy 8:5 “Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.”

Job 5:17-18  “Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.”

Proverbs 3:11-12 “My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.”

Only a father who cares will make a concerted effort to train and discipline his child, and God is the best of Fathers.  Chastening is a reference to teaching through instruction and correction.  Scourging is a reference to inflicting suffering as part of the process.

Frankly, I think that a lack of truly loving fathers is one of the primary reasons for the downfall of our society today.  The enemy has been quite successful in getting our fathers to fall for the lie that love is all about physical provision without regard to spiritual provision.  This wrong thinking has resulted in fathers investing less time and energy interacting with their children and more time and energy in pursuit of the financial resources desired to provide them with material wealth.

I totally skipped over the phrase, “ye have forgotten the exhortation.”  I interrupted a study in Deuteronomy to do this study of Hebrews, and there are many times that Moses encourages the people to “remember” as a motivation to obedience.  

Deuteronomy 7:18 “Thou shalt not be afraid of them: but shalt well remember what the LORD thy God did unto Pharaoh, and unto all Egypt….” 

Deuteronomy 8:2 “And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no.”

Deuteronomy 9:7 “Remember, and forget not, how thou provokedst the LORD thy God to wrath in the wilderness: from the day that thou didst depart out of the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place, ye have been rebellious against the LORD.”

Deuteronomy 24:9 “Remember what the LORD thy God did unto Miriam by the way, after that ye were come forth out of Egypt.”

Heb. 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? 

Heb. 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. 

The writer is basically saying that those who never experience chastening or discipline by God cannot truly call themselves children of God.  Verse 8 emphasizes that all of God’s children will experience His discipline--“all are partakers.”

The word “bastards” makes reference to an illegitimate son—one who is not a genuine or true son.  In other words, one who claims to be a son but has no legal standing before God.

Heb. 12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? 

Heb. 12:10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. 

The writer is assuming that all those receiving this letter would have experienced times of correction from their fathers.  As a result of this correction, they had respected their fathers.  He also points out that the correction of their fathers was based on their own judgment—sometimes flawed judgment seems to be implied.  If we as believers showed our earthly fathers respect, how much more should we be willing to submit ourselves to the discipline of our heavenly Father whose discipline is always to our benefit.  He is always focused on sanctifying us, conforming us to the image of His Son.  His discipline is never flawed.

Romans 8:29 “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

The writer’s reference to God as the  “Father of spirits” also stood out to me.  This is again a reminder that the essence of our being is in our spirit—not our body.  The spirit is created to be eternal; the question is whether one will choose to place oneself in subjection to God in faith and live or to reject Him and experience spiritual death—eternal separation from the Father.

Heb. 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. 

The writer is acknowledging that to experience chastening is to experience grief, sorrow and/or heaviness (from the Greek); in no way does it seem to be a good thing at the time it is happening.  In retrospect, however, we can see how it has produced fruit(s) of righteousness as the Holy Spirit ministered to us in the process.  The more fruit of the Spirit allowed to blossom in our lives, the more at peace we are with God.  The child of God understands that though the chastening will produce sorrow, the benefit of the experience is well worth the time of suffering. 

I liked the way Stedman expressed it:  “God does not ask us to rejoice in the trouble, but in what the trouble does for us. He is not expecting us to screw a smile on our face and go around saying, ‘Hallelujah, it hurts!’ No, as the writer says, ‘for the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant.’ But God is asking us to rejoice, nevertheless, not saying, ‘Hallelujah, it hurts,’ but ‘Hallelujah, it helps!’"

Heb. 12:12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; 

Heb. 12:13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed. 

I liked the CJB translation:  “So, strengthen your drooping arms, and steady your tottering knees; and make a level path for your feet; so that what has been injured will not get wrenched out of joint but rather will be healed.”

In these verses the writer reminds this body of believers that they are responsible to make choices that will facilitate spiritual growth and healing.  He points out that our attitude and the decisions we make have a direct impact regarding the amount of fruit produced in our lives through God’s chastening.  Good soil—good fruit.  In other words, we are to focus on the truth of God’s word and cling to His promises.

“lift up the hands” – I think this can be a reference to prayer and praise of God.

Psalms 28:2 “Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle.”

Psalms 63:3-4 “Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.”

Psalms 119:48 “My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.”

Lamentations 3:41 “Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens.”

“feeble knees” – Even when we feel the weakest, the child of God can rest in the promise of deliverance from the Father—though it may not come in the way we might expect it.

Isaiah 35:3-4 “Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.”

Feeble knees and hanging hands could also be a reference to fear, and the child of God is not to be fearful.  The child of God is to have faith, as was so vividly illustrated in the previous chapter.

2Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

Psalms 27:1 “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

Psalm  56:4 “In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.”

Psalms 118:6 “The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?”

“make straight paths….” – This is a reference to living an honest life and acting according to what is right as revealed in the word of God.  

Proverbs 4:26-27 “Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.”

When we choose to stray from faith in God’s word, we can expect to encounter more chastening rather than healing and growth.

This again brings up the reason for this letter.  The straight path is that as revealed in Christ by faith—not through the works of the law associated with the practice of Judaism. 

Heb. 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 

Heb. 12:15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;

Holiness is a reference to purity.  The writer is careful to emphasize that holy living is expected of one who has experienced God’s grace.  He has given us the indwelling Holy Spirit to empower us to live in peace with purity.  

Romans 8:8–10 “So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.  And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.”

Ephesians 3:20 “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us….”

The Greek for the word follow means to pursue.  In other words, it’s a matter of choice and effort on the part of each believer; the Holy Spirit doesn’t manipulate us like a marionette.  As I have noted often throughout my studies, our actions give proof of our faith; and only those with true faith can hope to “see the Lord.”  We are to be diligent in guarding against allowing bitterness to contaminate our lives and/or the body of believers.   Scripture is clear that the health of each member of the body affects the health of the whole.

1Corinthians 12:13-26 “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body….For the body is not one member, but many….But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you…. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.”

Heb. 12:16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 

Heb. 12:17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. 

I think in context here the reference is to spiritual fornication and a wicked heathen lifestyle (from the Greek).  The writer is emphasizing that the life of the believer is to be distinct from the world and in submission to the LORD.  Esau was focused on the desire of the flesh in the now.  He showed no concern at all regarding the future consequences of his action.  It seems that he finally realized the value of the birthright as evidenced through the tears shed when he realized that he would not receive the blessing from his father.  There is no indication, however, that he repented of the deal that he had made with his brother; he was still focused on the desires of his flesh in the now, which at the time being referenced was on getting the blessing.  His actions remind me of a child whose will has been thwarted and hopes that by playing on the sympathy of his parent can get what he wants.

This is a very important principle.  There are consequences to sin, in refusing to repent of sin and submit to God.  We in America live in a culture that promotes selfishness and takes the blessings of God for granted.  Many in the “church” live as though we despise the blessings of the LORD that are rooted in the spiritual.  Jesus was very clear in teaching that our priority should be on attaining spiritual treasure—not earthly treasure.

Matthew 6:19-21 “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Heb. 12:18 ¶ For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, 

Heb. 12:19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: 

Heb. 12:20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: 

Heb. 12:21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:) 

In this section of verses the writer begins to draw a distinct contrast between the experience of the Jewish people of old and the experience of the Jewish believers to whom he is writing.  Their ancestors had been confronted with a powerful physical manifestation of the presence of God that caused Mount Sinai to burn with fire accompanied by darkness and smoke.  They actually heard the voice of God thunder as a trumpet, and it frightened them so much that they begged Him to stop speaking.  Even Moses responded with fear and trembling.  They had been instructed that no one was to touch the mountain, not even one of their animals.  If they did, they were to be stoned or shot with an arrow.

Point being made—God is holy and to be reverenced with great reverence.  This conclusion is supported by the record in Exodus.

Exodus 20:19-20 “And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.”

Heb. 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 

Heb. 12:23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 

Heb. 12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

In contrast, the Jewish believer through faith has come to Mount Sion, “the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.”  

“are come” – It strikes me that this is a reference to a completed act.  Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, the believer’s home in heaven, the presence of the living God, is guaranteed.  

Instead of inspiring fear, God’s presence is described so as to make one desire to be there—not to hear about it from someone else.  

• It’s a place full of angels, those whose purpose is to minister to the “heirs of salvation” (cf 1:14).

• It’s a place full of family, the church, the bride of Christ, our brothers and sisters in Christ whose names are written in the book of life.

• It’s the presence of God, the righteous Judge of all men, whose judgment the believer has no need to fear since he/she is declared righteous in Jesus.

• It’s a place of fellowship with men and women of faith of all times who have been made perfect through their faith in God.

• It’s a place where we will meet Jesus our Savior face to face, The One through whom we have been reconciled through the new covenant of grace.

• It’s a place where Jesus’ blood cries out in forgiveness for people of faith (his brothers and sisters) in direct contrast to Abel’s blood that cried out for vengeance against his brother.

Heb. 12:25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: 

Heb. 12:26 Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. 

“Him that speaketh” = Jesus the Son of God

The warning—Don’t refuse to accept the truth of the word of God as declared by His personal messenger.  Those who rejected the word of God as delivered by Moses, God’s earthly messenger, did not escape judgment.  It has already been established that Jesus is greater than Moses.  So it stands to reason that if you reject the message of God’s heavenly messenger, the man Jesus, God’s precious Son, you will all the more surely suffer judgment. 

When God spoke at Mount Sinai, the earth shook.  Scripture records that the next time God speaks His commands not only will the earth shake, but so will the heavens.

Isaiah 13:13 Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall remove out of her place, in the wrath of the LORD of hosts, and in the day of his fierce anger.

Joel 3:16 “The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.”

Haggai 2:6-7 “For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.”

I think it is clear from these references that this will occur when Messiah returns as King of kings to establish His kingdom and take His throne in Jerusalem.

Thought—There is nothing more sure than the promise of God.

Heb. 12:27 And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 

This seems to be saying that this future shaking signifies or declares that only that which is eternal will be lasting.  The things of this present creation will pass away to reveal the things that will last for eternity.

Heb. 12:28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: 

Heb. 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire. 

The writer is pointing out that true believers will be part of that eternal kingdom.  This inheritance is only ours through God’s grace, the free gift of salvation through faith in His Son Jesus.  

Ephesians 2:8-9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

I think the writer is closing his letter with an emphasis on the reason why he wrote the letter to begin with.  It is only through faith we can serve God “acceptably.”

Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please him….”

We are to serve God in faith with reverence and godly fear.  In other words, our works are to be done with respect and reverence to a holy God.  When we do anything with the intent of adding to that which is provided to us in Jesus, we are showing ourselves “without faith.”  We are, however, to have a healthy fear of the Righteous Judge who possesses the power and authority to destroy.  This echoes the teaching of Jesus.

Matthew 10:28 “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”  

Luke 12:4-5 “And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.”

I couldn’t close without noting the reference to “our” God.  This seems to temper the reference to God as a consuming fire.  If He is “our” God, we have no need to fear that fire.

I liked Guzik’s comment:  “The truth that God is a consuming fire is a comfort to the believer. They realize that the Father poured out His consuming fire of judgment on the Son in our place. When He did, it completely consumed the guilt of sin in all who believe. The penalty of sin was consumed in Jesus at the cross.”