Hebrews 11:1-3 “Now
faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of
things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony. By
faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God,
so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.”
Hebrews 11 is known
as the “Hall of Faith.” Most Christians are eager to quote examples of
God’s deliverance. By faith these men and women of God parted the Red Sea,
stopped the mouths of lions, brought excellent sacrifices for God’s glory,
conquered the city of Jericho, subdued kingdoms, escaped the edge of the sword,
out of weakness were made strong and their dead were brought back to life.
These
Believers were made a gazingstock spectacle to show the power and the glory of God made
manifest. However, some men and women in the hall of faith lost their lives as
a spectacle in faithful service to their Lord. They were sawed asunder,
some were burned at the stake, some were stoned to death, afflicted, shamed and
beaten. Others have died figuratively in obedience to the call, “the just shall live by faith.” This is
the meaning of Galatians 2:20, “I was
crucified with Christ. Nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ lives
in me and the life that I now live I live by faith in the son of God who loved
me and gave himself for me.”
Romans 8:28 “And
we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who
are the called according to His purpose.”
Those whom God has
called will see God’s hand of deliverance through the affliction. The
deliverance will be either in this life or the next. As God’s remarkable
men and women, we will see the victory according to God’s timeline. This
is the conclusion of the great fifteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians, about the
return of our Lord Jesus Christ. “Therefore
my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work
of the Lord inasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”
2
Corinthians 2:14 says, “Now thanks be to God who always causes us
to triumph in Christ Jesus and makes manifest the savor of His knowledge by us
in every place.”
God has made us a
gazingstock, a spectacle to manifest His power and love. We reflect His
glory and grace. In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that
is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it
under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light unto all that are in
the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good
works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
As His remarkable men
and women of God, may we ever live to the praise of the glory of His grace!
Your brother in
Christ, Michael
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