| Who are “those”? This verse raises the question, Who are those who believe and are saved? The writer of Hebrews has some special people in mind. His answer follows in Hebrews 11, the great honor roll of those who persevered: Moses, Enoch, Noah, Sarah, Abraham, Rahab, Gideon, David, and Samuel, to mention a few.
You are one of “those.” You’re linked with Moses and Enoch! Yes, even though these men and women had problems, they demonstrated great faith. Moses, although he erupted in anger, repented; Noah had a problem with alcohol yet didn’t shrink back; Sarah mocked God yet survived and was saved; Rahab had loose morals; Gideon had serious doubts; David had uncontrolled passions; and Samuel had the aches and pains of old age. Ultimately they did not collapse but believed and were saved. They were counted as righteous because they lived by faith. And so must you.
Hebrews 12 begins, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” Sound hard? Hebrews 12:2-3 reminds us to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” Don’t give up. Don’t shrink back. Others hung in there and so can you.
Lord, I forget about the saints of old with whom I am intimately linked in you. I am grateful to be one of them…to be a faithful servant…I fix my eyes on you. I believe you…Praise God, I am saved. |
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