Hebrews (written)

Monday, 11 March 2019

For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. Hebrews 11:14

The word “For” is based upon the words of the previous verses dealing with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is they “who say such things.” This is referring to words such as being a stranger and a sojourner which Abraham declared before the sons of Heth, proclaiming the days of one’s pilgrimage (meaning being one who is on a religious quest to a place of worship) as Jacob did before Pharaoh, and other such utterances.

When people say such things, they “declare plainly.” The word means “to make manifest.” There is an intent in them which is brought forth in the very words they speak. When a Christian says, “This isn’t my home,” it is a manifestation of a desire to be taken to his “real home.” A person who believes that this is his one chance at life would never speak in such a way. Rather, he will be sure to take every opportunity to increase his station in this life in whatever way he feels will be the most beneficial to that station.

However, when one makes it manifest that this is not their final destination, it indicates “that they seek a homeland.” Here the word is patris. It indicates a fatherland, and thus one’s homeland. A person may be in the foreign service, or in a company in a foreign country, for many long years. He may have a house and lots of goods accumulated during that time, but he will still speak of returning home when his service is complete. This is the idea which is spoken of here.

The walk for a believer is one which anticipates a home that he longs to return to. Even if he has never actually been there, he was there in his first father, Adam. As all humans were potentially and seminally in Adam when he was created, there is a connection back to what he experienced. For the believer, there is a desire to go where Adam had been. The child of the person in the foreign service mentioned above may have the same longing to return to his father’s country as his father had. Should the father die, the son may make an appeal to return to the land of his father. This is the idea being conveyed here. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob understood this. Faithful believers in Messiah continue to understand it today.

Life application: It really is a wonderful thing to hear a Christian say, “This ain’t my home.” This is especially so when he is receiving a reward, honor, or is just having a great day. When things are going wrong, or when life is beating you up, it is easy to wish for another home without the difficulties and trials of the moment, but when things are going right and you still can say this – wow! That is true dedication to the promises of the Lord.

When this is the heart’s desire of a faithful believer, and yet difficult times to come, their hope and faith are only increased, not shaken. On the other hand, if a person is happily content to put off the Lord’s coming for another day, then when trials come, the response may be different. Yes, their faith may be strengthened during the trial, but the pressure of the ordeal will certainly be greater than it otherwise would have been. Today, even right now, check out your faith level. Is there anything coming in life that would make you say, “I hope the Lord waits just a little while before coming”? Other than desiring the salvation of another person, there should be nothing more anticipated than the promise of His return. This is exactly why we should be evangelizing at all times.

Keep your eyes on Jesus through the good and the bad, and look for a country of your own in the life to come.

“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord!
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.” Psalm 95:1

Lord Jesus, fill our souls with a longing for You alone. May nothing ever take our eyes off of You, and may nothing ever divert our thoughts from the glory of Your majesty. How precious to us is the day that You return to take us home! And may that day be soon. Amen.

Sunday, 10 March 2019

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

Speaking of those mentioned in the previous five verses, meaning Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob, the author stops for a moment and notes how their life of faith ended. He states, “These all died in faith.” To grasp the full extent of this statement, one can take the definition of faith provided in verse 1 and include it as a part of the thought –

“These all died having the substance of things hoped for, and with the evidence of things not seen.” Their hope remained with them concerning the things they had not seen, but knew to be true. Their faith at their time of death was not realized in seeing what they hoped for. As the author says, “not having received the promises.”

At the fall of man, the Lord God promised One who would come to restore that which was lost. This was a hope of these people, and that hope had not yet transpired. At the call of Abraham, the promise of an inheritance was added into that. For him and his wife Sarah, and then their son Isaac, and then their grandson Jacob, that hope was not realized upon their deaths. But they knew it was to come about. These people had, in fact, received the promises but not the substance. Despite this, the author says, “but having seen them afar off were assured of them.”

Jesus takes this state of Abraham and shows how true it was with him. In John 8:56 we read –

“Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.”

Abraham saw the promise afar off, and he was assured of it. Messiah would come! The promised rest would be granted! All things would be made new! This is how each of these lived. There was the absolute assurance in their souls that God’s promises would be realized. In this, the author then says they “embraced them.”

Here, the NKJV (following the KJV) destroys the intent that the author is attempting to convey. The translation of “embraced,” can be inferred from the original Greek, but to translate it this way ruins the symbolism. To embrace is to hold. These people of faith saw the promises from a distance and “saluted” them, or “greeted” them, knowing they could not expect their fulfillment in this life. It is as ships passing by which can only be hailed with a salute. The only possible way of translating this “embraced” while conveying the proper intent would be to make a lengthy paraphrase, such as “embraced them in their minds,” or something to that effect. Rather than embracing them, they saluted them from afar “and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”

The author was probably thinking of Abraham’s words when he penned this. In Genesis 23:4, at the death of his wife Sarah, he said to the people of the land, “I am a foreigner and a visitor among you. Give me property for a burial place among you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.” Though promised the land as an inheritance, during his life he remained a stranger and a pilgrim. Jacob, when introduced to Pharaoh, spoke of his own pilgrimage –

“‘The days of the years of my pilgrimage are one hundred and thirty years; few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.’ ¹⁰ So Jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from before Pharaoh.” Genesis 47:9, 10

The final words of the verse, “on the earth,” could be speaking of only Canaan, as it does at times in the New Testament, but it certainly means more than this. It extends to the entire earth. Jacob claimed he was a pilgrim while in Egypt. The arena in which these people of faith lived was a proving ground for their faith in preparation for a home which they could only see from afar and greet with a hopeful, but assured, confidence that the promises would be fulfilled someday.

Life application: We all treat this life in different ways. Some, as the old saying goes, are “so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good.” Some hold on to this life as if it is the only thing that can be fully trusted – even doubting the promises of Scripture beyond John 3:16. In between these two are countless variations. Some people “really want to see the Lord” but just “not today.” Some want Him to come after their child’s wedding – but anytime after that is fine. Others continue to work diligently in their jobs, but they never stop hoping for the Lord’s coming. Each moment for them is a moment of anticipation – even in the midst of life’s joys and trials.

The last is the type of person being described in this verse. He admits he is only an alien and a stranger. Temporary aliens in a foreign land continue to work, tend to life’s business, and raise families, but they always wait for a return to the land they love. This is similar to what the Jewish people would state, year after year for almost 2000 years, at their annual Passover – “Next year in Jerusalem!” Even though they were scattered around the world – even to the remotest parts – they never stopped hoping for a return to their land of promise.

Watching old footage of the joy of returnees after the long dispersion is a wonderful experience. This is what it should be like for every Christian as we wait on the Lord Jesus and the promise of the heavenly Mount Zion – the New Jerusalem. In fact, the last prayer of petition in the Bible leads us in the attitude we should hold dear, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.” Revelation 22:20. What is the great hope of your life? Heaven awaits, and where heaven is, there the Lord Jesus is. Yes, come Lord Jesus.

Lord God, there is nothing in this world that truly has value apart from the sure hope we possess in Christ Jesus. Without that hope, everything else is futility and chasing the wind. We heap up wealth for a future which is unknown, and certain to end in death. What is the point apart from hope in Christ? But in Him, we have the surest hope of all. Our pilgrimage here makes all the sense in the world when we anticipate what He has made available to us. Hallelujah for Jesus our Lord. Amen!

Saturday, 9 March 2019

Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore. Hebrews 11:12

The word, “Therefore,” is based upon what has been said since verse 8, and which spoke of both Abraham and Sarah. However, this now goes beyond only Abraham and Sarah, though it is still fulfilled in Abraham and Sarah together as well (see Deuteronomy 1:10, for example). The author says, based on those previous thoughts, that “from one man,” meaning Abraham, something rather amazing would come about. This begins to be seen in, “and him as good as dead.”

The words here speak of what is probably based on his relationship with Sarah, not on his inability to sire children. This is certain because when Sarah gave Abraham her maidservant Hagar, she bore with no problem. This is more certain because, after Sarah’s death, Abraham bore other children through another wife, Keturah, as well as concubines (see Genesis 25:1-4). However, before these things came to pass, it looked as if there was only a dead end to any descendants for him from Sarah. Despite this, and through Sarah (as well as those others), there “were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude.”

The Greek word is “heaven,” and it fits better here. The stars in the sky at any given time aren’t a jillionth of those in heaven. In fact, one might not see any stars in the sky depending on conditions. However, heaven is filled with them, regardless of the condition of those visible in the sky. This is what the offspring of Abraham are equated to. And then again, another superlative is used in the words, “innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.”

In the original promise of a son to be born to Abraham, a part of this same thought was conveyed –

“Then He brought him outside and said, ‘Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them.’ And He said to him, ‘So shall your descendants be.’” Genesis 15:5

After Abraham was tested with sacrificing Isaac, that was expanded upon, and it is what is being referred to now by the author of Hebrews where both of the terms were used in Genesis 22 –

“By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son— ¹⁷ blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies.” Genesis 22:16, 17

Understanding these promises, it is certain that there is both a literal and a spiritual fulfillment of them. The literal fulfillment is that Abraham’s descendants of the flesh fill the world. This includes those of Sarah, her maidservant, and his later wife and concubines. But the promise also extends spiritually to those who are of the faith. This is made explicit by Paul in Galatians 3 –

“Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham.” Galatians 3:7

And again –

“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. ²⁷ For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. ²⁸ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. ²⁹ And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:26-29

In both a literal sense and in a spiritual sense, the promise to Abraham, because of his faith in the word of the Lord, was exactingly fulfilled.

Life application: Though literally fulfilled in physical descendants, the promise made to Abraham is also fulfilled in a spiritual sense in those who are of faith in the word of the Lord. This is not only in faithful Jews looking forward to the Messiah, but also in all – Jew and Gentile alike – who look back on the work of the Messiah. When you read about this great promise to Abraham, understand that you are included in the innumerable host of God’s children, all because of your faith in the Messiah, our Lord Jesus.

What a gift! We are children of God and sons of Abraham by faith in Jesus! What more could we ask for when we realize the magnitude of this concept. All our sins are forgiven and eternal life has been bestowed upon us by grace through faith. Glory to God for His immeasurable gift of love! Amen.

Friday, 8 March 2019

By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. Hebrews 11:11

There is an emphasis in the Greek which highlights the introduction of Sarah. This wording is probably intended to highlight the fact that she was, at first, unbelieving of the promise of a son. The structure in Greek, “By faith Sarah herself also,” reveals this emphasis. The account is recorded in Genesis 18 –

And He said, “I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son.”
(Sarah was listening in the tent door which was behind him.) ¹¹ Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age; and Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. ¹² Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, “After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?”
¹³ And the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’ ¹⁴ Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”
¹⁵ But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid.
And He said, “No, but you did laugh!” Genesis 18:10-15

Sarah lacked faith at first, but “By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed.” Though at first she was incredulous that such a thing could take place, that was eventually replaced with a strong confidence that what was stated would, in fact, come about. This demonstrates that faith itself is something that, at times, needs to be cultivated. In Sarah’s case, and after being built up in her faith, “she bore a child when she was past the age.”

She went from a state of laughing that such a thing could never happen to acceptance that it was sure to come about. Indeed, despite her age, she realized that nothing is too hard for the Lord. However, it took the account from Genesis (above) to elicit that out of her. Once this came about, “she judged Him faithful who had promised.”

Sarah went from thinking from the perspective of the world around her, where certain things happened, and other things didn’t happen, to a perspective that the Lord was capable of causing the otherwise impossible to occur. Further, not only can He cause such things to come about, but He was faithful to follow through when He spoke out His word concerning the matter. This is the same sentiment that is seen in the previous chapter –

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23

Life application: The Lord has made certain promises that are recorded in His word. As incredulous as they may seem, they have been uttered, and they reflect the very nature of who He is. Thus, they will come about as He has spoken. However, care must be taken to interpret what the word says. The Lord does not promise health, wealth, prosperity, or long life. At times, these things are spoken of as generally coming about when one follows the Lord and His precepts, but they are not promises. Rather, they are general guidelines. And so we must know the word and understand it in its proper context. In this, we will not be led down a false path of believing that God will keep us from trials and afflictions. Quite the opposite is often true. Be sound in your doctrine, and be sure of the promises which are unconditional. All others need to be taken as grace added to the grace you have already been bestowed.

Lord, You alone have done everything necessary to provide us with righteousness – a righteousness not our own, and not of works, but of faith in You and Your promises. Help us never to forget or misuse this most important precept! And then, give us continued faith to trust that what You have done is also sufficient to carry us through to our completion. Amen.

Thursday, 7 March 2019

…for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Hebrews 11:10

There are two articles in the Greek which are rather important in understanding the intent of the words of this verse. The KJV completely botches the translation by ignoring both of them, thus rendering the verse impotent. The NKJV includes one, but not the other. The words read, “the city which has the foundations.” With that understood, we can properly appreciate the words of the author.

Building upon the previous verse, he notes that Abraham “dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country.” He goes on to say that in that land, he dwelt in tents. The reason for this is that “he waited.” If Abraham thought of an earthly possession, he would have claimed land, built a home, and started to build his empire. But God promised that his descendants afterward would possess the land, meaning he would not. Thus, he waited. In his waiting, “he waited for the city which has foundations.”

It was understood that dwelling in tents meant that his lodging was temporary. With the pulling up of the pegs, the tent would collapse. With a strong enough wind, the tent would blow away. There was never a sense of permanence in his tent-dwelling lifestyle. The earth itself was the only foundation. But the earth is in a fallen state. It brings forth life which then eventually dies and returns to the dust.

However, there is the city which has the foundations. It is a city of life everlasting. It is what Abraham looked forward to, and it is referred to by Paul in Ephesians 2 –

“Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, ²⁰ having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, ²¹ in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, ²² in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-22

Here Paul speaks of a holy temple, but Revelation clarifies the picture –

Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. Revelation 21:14

When it says in Ephesians 2 that the household of God is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, it signifies their proclamation of Christ is the foundational message. It is He who is the chief Cornerstone. In the New Jerusalem, the names of the apostles are on the twelve foundations, signifying the work of the apostles in carrying out the foundational message of Christ. In other words, the city with the foundations is speaking of nothing less than the message of Messiah, and the reality of Messiah as the focal point of our relationship with God. It was He who was promised to come and restore all things, and Abraham looked forward to that, not to an earthly inheritance.

His understanding of this was limited to the simple promise of God to Adam, as had been passed down throughout the generations, but it was a promise that was sure to come. It is this city, built upon the message of Messiah, “whose builder and maker is God.”

Babel was a city built by men, and by human effort. The purpose of it was the uniting of the people and to reach heaven. As it says, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens” (Genesis 11:4). However, the Lord spurned this, dispersed the people, and rejected it as a means of restoration with Him.

In the very next chapter of the Bible, it tells of the call of Abraham and the continued work of God in building an everlasting city which would be united in purpose, in speech, and in devotion to God, all because of the work of God in Christ. This is “the city with the foundations.” It is set in contrast to anything available in tents, demonstrating Abraham’s anticipation of future glory in Messiah.

Life application: Many years later after Abraham’s call, while speaking to Pharaoh in Egypt, his grandson Jacob used the terminology of someone looking beyond the life he was living –

“The days of the years of my pilgrimage are one hundred and thirty years; few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.” Genesis 47:9

A pilgrim is a person on a journey to a holy place. Jacob, like Isaac and Abraham before him, knew that this life was temporary and troubled, but these men looked forward to that city whose “builder and maker is God.” This is a really good lesson for each of us to consider. How deeply have we set our roots in this life instead of looking at it as a stepping stone for the next? Keep your eyes on the prize and don’t get sidetracked by what is only temporary and fleeting.

Lord God, You are preparing a true home for Your people, an eternal home which is the city with the foundations. It is our great hope since the time of our first father, Adam. Help us to not get so caught up in the things of this world that we forget the promise and lose sight of the goal. Help us to keep our eyes on Jesus, and to live in anticipation of the time when we are forever returned to the splendor of Your presence. Amen.