Hebrews (written)

Wednesday, 6 March 2019

By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; Hebrews 11:9

As noted in the previous verse, Abraham was called out of his home to a place which was unknown to him, and by faith he went. It wasn’t until after his arrival that he was informed that the land would be given as an inheritance. But it was not to him directly that it would be given. Rather it was to his descendants after him. As for him, he was given “no inheritance in it, not even enough to set his foot on” (Acts 7:5). This is the state of things at the time which is now described by the author. He says, “By faith he dwelt in the land of promise.”

It is exactly this sequence of events which brings in the meaning of “the land of promise.” The Greek actually reads, “a land of the promise.” It is the promise which is focused on. Whatever land was of the promise is the land which the Lord would ensure was Abraham’s inheritance. Once he had arrived in Canaan, having passed through Shechem and as far as the terebinth tree of Moreh, the inheritance was then promised –

“Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, ‘To your descendants I will give this land.’” Genesis 12:7

This is “the promise,” and it is in the promise that the land is specified. However, the last thing recorded before that promise was made were the words, “And the Canaanites were then in the land” (Genesis 12:6). Understanding this, the land was already possessed by a people group. Despite this, Abraham was told that his descendants would possess it. Thus, the words, “By faith he dwelt in the land of promise,” show that Abraham believed what he was told and lived in faith of the fulfillment of that prophetic word. The land would be his (meaning his posterity) despite it already being claimed by others. Rather than disbelieve, he remained there “as in a foreign country.”

These words describe the words, “by faith.” Everyone who is alive has to dwell somewhere. It doesn’t take faith to keep on living. However, it takes faith to remain in a land which has been given to you, but which you do not possess, waiting for the fulfillment of the promise. During his time in Canaan, he lived without citizenship or the rights of that citizenship. Instead, he was simply a foreigner in a land which he had been promised. Therefore, Abraham was faithful to live out his life “dwelling in tents.”

As the land was not his at this time, but only by promise, he couldn’t go in and start cultivating fields, building houses, opening schools, putting up speed signs (no donkey’s over 10mph!), collecting taxes, and doing all the things that the possessor of the land would do. Rather, he had to watch the land of his inheritance benefit those who would someday be dispossessed by his descendants. All the while, he lived in tents, moved from time to time, and simply passed through time without possessing his promised possession. And this was true with his immediate family after him, both “Isaac and Jacob.”

During Abraham’s life, he waited on a son to inherit the land. By the time he was rather old, no son had come, and yet he still lived by faith. At one point, he noted to the Lord that his only inheritor was a slave, born in his house. But the Lord promised otherwise; he would have an heir from his own body. When that was slow in coming, his wife Sarah gave him her maidservant to bear a son. From her came Ishmael. But the Lord again said that he would not be the son of promise. Rather, it would be from Sarah. Eventually, Isaac was born, and from Isaac came Jacob. They were “the heirs with him of the same promise.” The Lord determined, Abraham (and subsequently Isaac and Jacob) believed, and they lived by faith in the word of the Lord.

Life application: The accounts of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob span chapters 11-49 of Genesis. Each was filled with faults and troubles. The struggles they had with their wives, children, and health are no different than ours today. Favoritism when dealing with others, deceit in relationships, and stubbornness to yield to the better path seemed to plague them. Abraham gave in to bad advice which resulted in the birth of Ishmael – something which later caused him enormous heartache. Isaac had to send his son Jacob away before his other son Esau killed him.

Jacob didn’t restrain his children and ended up dealing with murder, incest, and immense heartache. It is easy to look at our lives today and think about how dysfunctional they are, but comparing them to these patriarchs shows that our situations are pretty normal after all. We may think our health problems aren’t deserved or are greater than they should be, but the Bible records these men suffered from the same conditions.

Today, however, we have medical facilities we can go to. And if we are laid up at home, we have TVs, air conditioners, refrigerators full of yummy food, etc. These people “lived in tents,” they had no access to the local grocery store, and they had to suffer their pains without painkillers or air-conditioned environments. When you think on the difficulties your children are giving you, remember that these men went through the same or worse.

When you think you’ve mismanaged your family relationships, don’t forget that they messed up just as badly. And as you suffer through illness or disease, no matter how bad it is, these people suffered with the same – but in much harsher conditions. In the end, though, they are remembered for one thing above all else – they lived by faith. When your time is up, God will reward you based on your faith as well. Instead of looking at the trials, pains, and troubles as insurmountable, look at them as gifts which challenge your faith. You will be rewarded as you keep your eyes on, and faith in, Jesus.

Jesus, You know the pains of our hearts, bodies, and souls; pains which never seem to end. You know our weaknesses in facing them and how hard it is to endure each day. Be with us, strengthen us, and give us the faith to endure through each difficult moment. And may You alone be glorified as we prevail by Your might. Amen.

Tuesday, 5 March 2019

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11:8

The author next turns to Abraham. He is noted in twenty-seven books of the Bible, and is often used as an example of great faith. Even the Lord Jesus spoke of him on several occasions. He has already been mentioned eight times in Hebrews, mostly in Chapter 7, but it is obvious that he is a pivotal figure in the scene of redemptive history.

Paul uses him in critical sections of his writings to explain profound theological matters, particularly because he predates the law of Moses, and thus sets an example which demonstrates that righteousness, by default, comes apart from deeds of the law. Even James, who is cited by countless scholars as supporting justification through works, actually speaks of Abraham in a unique way which – it is true – involves works, but the works are based on something entirely different than what those scholars conclude. That will be noted in the coming verses of Hebrews as well.

So far, three men prior to Abraham have been noted for their faith, Abel, Enoch, and Noah. Abraham has an interesting parallel to each of the three. Abel “offered a more excellent sacrifice than Cain,” whereas Abraham offered the most excellent sacrifice possible in his son Isaac (coming in verse 11:11). Enoch walked with God; Abraham walked where God directed him to walk. Noah “became the heir of righteousness” through faith, whereas Abraham became the model of righteousness by faith.

In his beginning thoughts, he says again, “By faith.” The author is ensuring that the pattern which is found pleasing to God continues on unabated. And so, “By faith Abraham obeyed.” In a manner similar to Noah, there is an obedience to the directive which has been given. Noah was told to do something incredible, and he did it. Abraham is told to do something which would lead to a life of pilgrimage, and yet he did it. He “obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance.”

As a technical note, Vincent’s Word Studies shows that the thought of going out is to be construed with “obeyed.” A present participle is used which “indicates Abraham’s immediate obedience to the call: while he was yet being called.” Thus it should be translated as “when he was called obeyed to go out.” He was called, and he did not hesitate to respond as called.

The calling is recorded in Genesis 12:1. It needs to be understood that the promise of inheritance is not found there though. The translation makes it sound like the inheritance was promised at the call. But the inheritance is not noted until afterwards. Further, it is not an immediate inheritance, but one which follows in his seed –

Genesis 12:1-3 is the call to leave his country and go.
Genesis 12:4-6 is the departure and travel through the land.
Genesis 12:7 is the promise of the inheritance to his descendants.

Acts 7:5 calls attention to this order and the fact that Abraham did not personally receive the inheritance, but that it would only come upon his descendants.

With this understanding, the author continues with, “And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” Abraham wasn’t an explorer looking for adventure. Rather, he was a man with a home and family who was called to pick up and leave his land and go somewhere he had never been, and without having any specifics at all as to why until after he got there. And yet, by faith, he did as instructed.

Life application: Abraham demonstrated faith, and God was pleased with that. We too are pleasing to God when we demonstrate faith in Him. The first act of faith that we can accomplish which will please God is to believe the gospel message of Jesus Christ. After that, we can continue to please God by accepting His word as authoritative in our lives. Along with that comes faith that His word is, in fact, the authoritative word of God. Accounts such as creation, the flood, and the tower of Babel (among countless others) are written as simple statements of fact. Do we accept them in that manner? Or do we look at them as allegorical representations of other things? The answer we make really matters concerning our faith in what we consider to be the word of God. We are saved by faith in Christ, but we will be judged based upon our lives in Christ, particularly in relation to how we understand, accept, and apply God’s words in our lives. If you struggle with parts of the Bible, talk to God about it and ask Him to reveal to you what you are struggling with. That alone is an act of faith.

Thank You Lord God for the lesson of faith we find in the person of Abraham. Though we don’t always know the path that lies ahead of us, we have been assured in Your word that You are with us and will guide us all our days. Grant us faith like Abraham – to step out and follow where You direct. To Your glory, and to a walk which is pleasing to You, we pray. Amen.

Monday, 4 March 2019

By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith. Hebrews 11:7

The author now turns to Noah, and the account found in Genesis 6. He begins again with, “By faith Noah.” It is obvious from a single read through the life of Noah that he was a unique man, and a man of faith. Whereas the entire world was destroyed, he was saved. Thus, along with his seven family members, he became the new point from which the earth that is populated today stems from. In explaining how Noah lived by faith, he next says, “being divinely warned of things not yet seen.”

The word used signifies a prophetic oracle, and thus, “divinely warned,” is well rendered. One might ask, “How can it be counted as faith that Noah acted upon a divine oracle?” The question fails to take into account man’s responsibility in adhering to that divine word. A perfect example of not living by faith in what God has said in this manner is found in Numbers 20. There, Moses was told by the Lord to take his rod, go with Aaron, and speak to the rock. In doing this water would issue forth. However, instead of following the Lord’s word, it says –

“Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank.” Numbers 20:11

From there, the response of the Lord came quickly –

“Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.” Numbers 20:12

Moses “did not believe,” meaning “he lacked faith.” Therefore, faith is still required, even when the Lord speaks to His people. The reason this is so is because the Lord’s word pertains to things “not yet seen.” Noah had not yet seen, and yet he acted in faith. Moses had not yet seen and he failed to act in faith. In the case of Noah, he was “moved with godly fear.”

He was told by God in Genesis 6:13, “The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth.” He could have said, “What? No way. How are You going to do that?” His words would imply that what he heard was too impossible to even imagine. But instead, it says he “moved with godly fear.” He heard the word, he believed it was true, and he acted upon that same word in a manner which the world around him must have thought was insane. He built an ark.

As the author says, he “prepared an ark for the saving of his household.” The ark was immense, it took a long time to build, and it would have taken an enormous amount of time and effort. But the Lord had spoken, and Noah accepted that what the Lord said would come about. Every saw of the wood, every hammer of the nail, and every application of bitumen would have been an act of faith. This was not works leading to salvation, but faith leading to salvation. His faith preceded his works, and they were the impetus for them. And it was this faith “by which he condemned the world.”

In his faith, he built the ark. Therefore, it is in his faith that he condemned the world. This same concept will be found in the tribulation saints. In Revelation 14:13, it says –

“Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’”

“Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”

It is exactly what occurred with Noah. Faith preceded works, and thus the works which follow become deeds of faith. It is not works that justify, but the faith which precedes the works. They are works of faith. Thus, the righteousness of God is “from faith to faith” (Romans 1:17). The tribulation saints will be expected to act upon the divine oracle which has been given. When they do, they are promised that they too will condemn the world. Their reward is found in Revelation 20:4.

In Noah’s condemning of the world, he “became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.” Noah believed God, and God counted it to him for righteousness. It is exactly the pattern for what is said of Abraham (see Genesis 15:6). It is a righteousness not their own, but one imputed by God for faith. And this then is what is said of believers in Christ today as is recorded by Paul in Philippines 3:8, 9. It is the heart of the gospel message.

We look to Noah as a man of faith for having responded to the word of the Lord. We look to Moses in the same manner, except in the incident of Meribah. However, do we look to our own actions in this manner? The answer must be based on a single question, “Do I adhere to the word of God?” The same voice that spoke to Noah and to Moses speaks to us today through the pages of Scripture. We are either living in faith and acting upon it in accord with His instruction, or we are not. It is that simple.

Life application: Whether you believe the account of Noah is true or not is of the greatest importance in whether or not you are on sound footing in your doctrine. If you fail to accept the account of Noah as a literal occurrence, then your faith in the word of God is lacking. Likewise, if your faith in the Bible is lacking, then your knowledge of, and faith in, Jesus is lacking. If your faith in Jesus is lacking, your faith – whatever it is – very well may be in vain. Each point of this logic is interwoven with the next. If any part of the tapestry of your faith is missing, the entire fabric falls apart. How can such a claim be made from an otherwise incredible passage of the Old Testament? Because the New Testament states the account is true. Noah is recorded in 6 separate chapters of the New Testament, including Jesus’ genealogy and by the words of Jesus Himself –

“And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: ²⁷ They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all.” Luke 17:26. 27

If Jesus was merely accommodating the audience by quoting a story He knew was false, then He is a liar and not the Son of God. Also, as the Bible records Jesus’ words and is the only source of our faith in Jesus, then if the account of what Jesus said isn’t true, we are still following a false Lord. Faith in what the Bible says leads us to Jesus. Faith in Jesus is what leads us to the Father. Be wise and have properly placed faith.

Lord, when you put it that way… When You tell us the account of Noah really happened, I need to accept it by faith. Keep my faith strong, O Christ, even in the difficult passages of the Bible. It is evident now how important it is to accept even the stories which seem incredible. Strengthen my faith that I may be pleasing to You! Amen.

Sunday, 3 March 2019

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6

The author now explains what he just said about Enoch. Enoch was noted as pleasing to God. How was it so? It is explained by the words which introduced him in the previous verse, “By faith Enoch.” It was “by faith.” To teach his audience how to be like Enoch, he now provides the words of this verse. “But without faith,” means “apart from faith.” The commonly used Greek word comes from a root signifying an open or detached space. Thus there is a separation between two things and, hence, “apart from.” The author says that in this state “it is impossible to please Him.”

There are several aspects of faith that are encompassed in this thought. There is faith that God exists. He cannot be seen, and yet we are expected to believe that He is as real to us as if He can be seen. Some can take the evidences of His existence, meaning the created order, and deny that God is responsible for it. Others look at what He has done (see Psalm 19:1, for example) and not only accept that God has done these things, but then extend their minds beyond them, understanding that He is even greater than His creation.

There is also faith in what God says. This, like our response to creation, requires faith. It is especially so because there are all kinds of claims concerning what “God” says. Numerous religions claim they possess the word of God. Numerous denominations claim they still receive the word of God. Countless individuals have claimed God has spoken to or through them. In each of these, there is either truth or there is falsehood, and discernment is necessary to differentiate between the two.

These things are actually of great importance because “he who comes to God must believe that He is.” This is speaking of His existence. Because we cannot see Him, there is no mental image that we can produce to say, “This is what God is like.” All there is for us is what He has done, and which is then revealed within the created order. This is what Enoch did. He accepted what he saw around him as a testimony that God exists. And because he did, he lived his life accordingly. In this, “he pleased God.”

And so Enoch’s faith in God was matched with His life which reflected that faith. Many people say they believe in God, but that belief in God doesn’t affect the way in which they live. They separate their knowledge of His existence from what that existence must be like. Enoch combined the two. He had faith in God’s existence, and he had a proper view of, and faith in, God’s attributes. With that, both of these combined into an application of His life before God and for God. The two combined into a pleasing walk of faith; a life of holiness. And how can we know this is true? Because the author next says “that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

Enoch is set forth as an example of one who diligently sought out God, and therefore God rewarded him for his faithful search. He “was not found, because God had taken him.” This is what it means that Enoch lived by faith. He believed that God is, he lived his life according to his understanding of what that means, and he believed that in living in this right manner he would be rewarded. If this were not so, then there would be no reason to live in that way. In other words, a real aspect of faith in God is that He rewards faith in Him. This is why merely believing that God exists is not enough to be pleasing to God.

If a person believes God exists, but doesn’t have any faith that a proper life will result in a reward or that an improper life will result in some type of punishment, then there will be no change in how that person conducts his life – “Yes, there is a God, but He doesn’t care.” Or, if a person believes that God exists, but has a faulty view of what He is like, then his actions may be misdirected. A person who believes incorrectly about God may blow himself up in a shopping mall, believing that God will reward him for his actions. But he has pursued a faulty view of God. He didn’t diligently pursue Him.

Theology must be properly directed to consider God as He is. Once that is understood, everything else should follow that correct ideal about God in a life which matches it.

Life application: Hebrews 11:6 is such an important verse that every Christian should not only memorize it, but use it in their daily speech to others. “…without faith it is impossible to please Him.” This single verse excludes all works based religions, and all religions outside of Christianity are in some way works-based. Therefore, either this statement is true and Christianity alone is true, or it is false and there is no assurance in all of human existence for reconciliation with God.

If one thinks it through logically though, it must be a true statement. It would contradict God’s character to be any other way. Only one correct view about God is possible. God will never reward a doubter, a disbeliever, or one who has a faulty view of who He is in relation to His eternal, unchanging attributes. Therefore, this excludes religious pluralism (many paths lead to God); religious syncretism (a mixing of religious systems); and relativism (truth is changing and subjective).

God is and God has spoken. There is no change in Him, no variance, no progression, and no untruth. Therefore, He can and will only reward “those who diligently seek him.” And that diligent seeking will inevitably and only lead to Jesus Christ. Only through Jesus can we truly please God, and only in pursuing and seeking Jesus can we receive reward from God. Have faith and seek the Lord with all your heart.

Lord, give us the strong desire, and the will, to be pleasing to You and to seek You with all our hearts. Let us not trip over the simplicity of what You ask for in order to be reconciled to You – faith and faith alone. Also, may we be found pleasing because our faith is properly directed – toward Jesus! Amen.

Saturday, 2 March 2019

By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Hebrews 11:5

The author now turns to Enoch. Very little is said of him in Scripture, and yet what is said speaks volumes. His life is recorded in Genesis 5. Other than a verse noting his birth, genealogical references in 1 Chronicles and Luke 3, and a reference to him in the book of Jude, this is all that is recorded of him –

“Enoch lived sixty-five years, and begot Methuselah. ²² After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters. ²³ So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. ²⁴ And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.” Genesis 5:21-24

The reference in Jude will note that Enoch was a prophet. It will also cite a portion of his prophecy. He is one of only two people in the Bible who never experienced physical death, the other being Elijah. With so little information on him, it is remarkable that he is recorded here in the Hall of Fame of the faithful. But despite the limited information about him, the author understood that the little said is actually of great importance. Like Melchizedek, a few words are enough to know a great deal.

And so, the author says, “By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death.” The word “taken away,” simply signifies a change of place, circumstance, etc. Paul uses it in Galatians when speaking of those who turned to a different gospel. And again, the author of Hebrews used it in verse 7:12 when speaking of the change of the priesthood from Aaron to Christ. Here he notes that Enoch was so changed “by faith.” His life was a walk of faith, and in this, the Lord changed him from the state he existed to one where he would “not see death.” In this, he “was not found because God had taken him.”

What must be inferred from the verses of Genesis, but which is made explicit here in Hebrews, is that Enoch did not die. The records of Genesis 5, and elsewhere, give the birth record, any life information deemed necessary to explain the life of the man, the number of years he lived, and the record of his death. By specifically not recording the death of Enoch, Moses was – in fact – implying that Enoch did not die. The author not only agrees with the implication, but states it as a fact. And this was done for a reason. As the author says, “for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”

The Hebrew says “he walked with God.” It is a way of saying that his life was one which was pleasing to Him. Because of his faithful walk, God took him so that he would not see death. However, this does not appear to be all there is concerning Enoch. Inferences can be made.

As there are two that never died, Enoch and Elijah, and as there are references to two who stand before the Lord and minister to him, it can be inferred that Enoch and Elijah are those two. A particular reference to them is found in Zechariah 4 –

Then I answered and said to him, “What are these two olive trees—at the right of the lampstand and at its left?” ¹² And I further answered and said to him, “What are these two olive branches that drip into the receptacles of the two gold pipes from which the golden oil drains?”
¹³ Then he answered me and said, “Do you not know what these are?”
And I said, “No, my lord.”
¹⁴ So he said, “These are the two anointed ones, who stand beside the Lord of the whole earth.” Zechariah 4:11-14

Two who are with the Lord are also found in Daniel 12 –

“Then I, Daniel, looked; and there stood two others, one on this riverbank and the other on that riverbank. ⁶ And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, “How long shall the fulfillment of these wonders be?” Daniel 12:5, 6

Daniel specifically records one on each side of the river. As the term “Hebrew” means “to cross over,” it appears to be a reference to one being a Jew, and the other a Gentile. Between them, above the waters, is a third. The symbolism is that of Christ being the One above the waters who unites the two (Jew and Gentile) as one. As this appears to be what is being conveyed, then it makes it clear that the gospel message in the end times tribulation period is still being called out to the whole world, Jew and Gentile. This is because the same two who were seen in Zechariah 4 are also seen in Revelation 11 –

“And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.”

⁴ These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands standing before the God of the earth. ⁵ And if anyone wants to harm them, fire proceeds from their mouth and devours their enemies. And if anyone wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. ⁶ These have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire.” Revelation 11:3-6

As with Melchizedek, much can be inferred from a few scattered references elsewhere in Scripture. Some of it is made explicit by the New Testament writers, other tidbits must be inferred. However, it appears that Enoch is still walking with his God, and he will be back to fulfill that walk, along with Elijah, in the days ahead.

Life application: Simply stated, Enoch had faith and his faith was pleasing to God. And so it will be for all those who are alive and have put their trust in Jesus at His coming – they will never experience physical death. The precedent for this future moment was set in Enoch and Elijah. Enoch isn’t a Hebrew and Elijah is, and yet both were taken away because they pleased God. This pattern was certainly given in part to demonstrate to us that it is not heritage, but faith, that will bring about our eventual glorification. It is believed the world will see more of Enoch and Elijah during the tribulation period when they come to testify to the nations, but until that day Enoch is remembered by us as a true father of the faithful. May we, like him, walk with God all of our days.

O Lord, what a wonderful gift you have given us in the story of Enoch. In it, you have shown us that faith is what is pleasing to You. You have also shown us that by faith we can walk in harmony with You. Thank You for this wonderful example found in the person of our ancestor Enoch. Amen.