August 02, 2020 | Dr. Wes George
Passage: Hebrews 11:32-38
32 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; 36 and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated 38 men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.
Everyone is on a journey of faith. 32
32 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,
We hope that our journey of faith is resulting in discovering faith and developing faith that brings about justifying faith and sanctifying faith.
The outwardly victorious appear rewarded with visible blessings. 33
33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises,. . .
Although we have been told that none of these have received their reward (11:13, 39); they all won some victories and experience some success and blessing and have a name recorded in the Bible.
The outwardly victorious appear rewarded with temporal deliverance. 33b-35a
33 who by faith. . ., shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35 Women received back their dead by resurrection;
The names are not mentioned in these verses, but their faith stories certainly remind us of some biblical characters. We are reminded of Daniel in the lion’s den along with David and Samson slaying lions. We remember Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in quenching the power of fire. Numerous prophets escaped the edge of the sword. The widow of Zarephath and the Shunamite woman each received their children back from the dead. Our God is a great God who can deliver His people powerfully and miraculously.
That is why it is important that we not emphasize the known or seen over the invisible or unseen. You never know what is going on behind the scenes.
The others appear abandoned. 35b-38
and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; 36 and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated 38 men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.
All great accomplishments have come by way of great sacrifice.
A journey of faith is not necessarily a safe journey. It is not a journey for the weak or uncommitted.
Live by faith in God’s promises, looking for something better. 39-40
Hebrews 11:39 And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect
Whether you are outwardly victorious or the others who appear abandoned circumstantially, you must live by faith in the promises of God, looking for something better, something future, something eternal.
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