Hebrews 11: 8-10
A weekday morning devotional series written by Aaron Marcarelli and hosted by Chad McBeam
“By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he left, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as a stranger in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”
Hebrews 11:8-10 NASB2020
I wanted to clarify what was said yesterday. My friend and colleague Dr. Will Stevens reminded me that one word can make a difference.
I wrote: “Then God told Noah that “because” he was righteous he was going to save him and his family from the destruction of the earth.
Noah was not saved “because” he was a righteous man. We are saved through faith not by our works of righteousness.
Noah was able to hear God’s voice more clearly “because” he was living as a righteous man. His faith is why he was able to follow what God said without doubt.
Now to Abram soon to become Abraham and his faith. We will be with Abram/Abraham for a few days.
“Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country, And from your relatives And from your father’s house, To the land which I will show you; And I will make you into a great nation, And I will bless you, And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing; And I will bless those who bless you, And the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” So Abram went away as the Lord had spoken to him; and Lot went with him. Now Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.”
Genesis 12:1-4 NASB2020
Once again we see God speak and Abram listens and does as God tells him to do. This was not an easy thing God was asking. To leave one’s family was to leave your support system, your livelihood. Once you left there was not an easy way to communicate with the family. They were nomadic, they did not have an address to send mail to. Yet, Abram did as he was asked. Why? Yes Abram had faith, but we will see his faith is tested time, and time again. Sometimes Abrahams faith is strong and he does not waver other times he goes through periods of severe doubt.
Just like with Abraham when God calls us we can do as the Lord asks with an obedient heart. Or we can go kicking and screaming, saying why Lord!
Abraham had faith that the Lord would give to him what was promised. It was his faith that kept him going. When God chooses to use us, as he chose all of these “heroes” we must have faith that God fulfills his promises. Remember these people that the writer of Hebrews speaks of, did not have the advantage we have of knowing through scripture that time and time again God comes through and honors what He says. They also did not have the knowledge that the ultimate promise of Messiah had been fulfilled. With all this evidence that God fulfills His promises over and over and over again how can we doubt?
Lord thank you for filling us with you perfect promises over and over again. Help our doubt Lord ! Please, open our eyes, our hearts and our minds; to see, feel and know that your promises are true and perfect.
Shalom Blessings and Press In and Press On!