Legacy of Faith- Hebrews 11Sample

“Faith Without Works of Obedience”

“Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.” —Hebrews 11:19

As we unpack this life of faith, it often centers around Abraham, who is considered “The Father of Faith.” He serves as an example we can look to in this journey of faith. Isaiah 51:1-2 even instructs us to “look to the rock from which we were hewn and to the hole from which we were dug. Look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah who bore you; I called him when he was but one and blessed him and made him many.”

As we’ve discussed in the previous devotions, obedience is one of the central keys to living a life of faith. In today’s verses, we read that by faith Abraham, when he was tested . . . Abraham was not tested with sickness, disease, or poverty; the testing of our faith always comes down to obedience. Once again, it was Abraham’s obedience to offer up Isaac that led him to fulfill the promise.

In my opinion, there was much more happening in this story than just Abraham seeing a promise fulfilled. I believe the deeper meaning is about God fulfilling a promise for humanity. God had a vision for humanity to be restored, but it would have to happen through a man. Another principle of faith is that faith must see the end; it must see the promise. When Abraham took Isaac up the mountain to fulfill his obedience, his servants asked him where he was going. He responded that they were going up the mountain to worship, but he added, “The boy and I will return.” Abraham had a conviction that God was able to raise Isaac up because, in his heart, he had already received him as a figure.

God was pleased with this expression of faith, not only because Abraham did as he was told but because God found a man willing to lay down and sacrifice his only son. Through this act of faith, God could then sacrifice His own Son. Today’s scripture verses function like a parable, giving us a picture of the coming of Jesus. As you go through your day, take the Word of God and His promises, hold them in your heart, and let them provide a vision of His will for you. Be obedient to what He tells you, don’t waver, and hold on to the fact that God is able to do the impossible.