Hebrews 11: 6
A weekday morning devotional series written by Aaron Marcarelli and hosted by Chad McBeam
“And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6 NASB2020
I was planning on writing about Noah’s faith in verse 7 as well. But God said verse 6 has so much let’s park there today.
In my World History II class that I teach we are just finishing up the “European Enlightenment” (1700-1789) It was a time of political philosophy for Europe. These philosophers were writing about their ideas regarding how people should be governed. At this time Monarchs were anything but benevolent, the Church of Rome was still corrupt and their had been 200+ years of Protestant expansion. Most of these philosophers viewed the problems of the world and came to the conclusion that if their was a God He would want everything perfect. The world was far from perfect and therefore these philosophers thought that if there was a God He was more like a great clockmaker. He created the earth wound it up and let it go. This idea was known as the Deistic view of a clockwork universe. If their was a God he did not care about the day to day life of the human race and therefore there was no relationship to be had with him and praying was useless. Ironically most of these philosophers also had an optimistic view of the human race. They believed in the basic goodness of man. If they came up with the right formula for governing people they could solve the problems of the world. Unfortunately, when they purposely removed God from their lexicon of how to govern their lives. They became nihilistic and turned their back on God and thought they could run their lives. Unfortunately Europe has felt the effects of their choices. Over the next two hundred years Europe had brutal revolutions, horrific civil wars, and two catastrophic world wars killing hundreds of millions of people.
Unfortunately Europe is a hopeless and Godless place. Yes it has ascetic beauty, but, without faith that beauty is not as amazing as it should be.
Through the writer of Hebrews we see that for true faith to exist not only do we need to believe in Him, we also need to seek a relationship with Him.
If we just believe there is no relationship for the Bible says “You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.” James 2:19 NASB2020
In deism there is belief in a God but no relationship.
There needs to be belief and relationship.
“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.”
Matthew 6:33 NASB2020
We are not good. We are a wicked generation. But, God desires a relationship with us. Which is why he sent Jesus to die for our iniquities and to conquer death through His resurrection. All to have that relationship with us.
The philosophers did come up with some good ideas about government. However, they missed the mark; we are not good, we are sinful and selfish. As Paul says in Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”, therefore we are in need of a savior. Following Him and His ways is the best way to govern our lives.
Lord thank you for wanting a relationship with us. Help us to continue to have faith in your perfect ways and to seek a right relationship with you every day! Thank you that your mercies are new every morning.
In Jesus Name Amen…
Shalom Blessings and Press In and Press On!