December 13, 2021: SOAP #4393:  Hebrews 9-11

SCRIPTURE:  Hebrews (NIV) 11:39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

OBSERVATION:  In the small picture, faith progresses through an individual’s life.  They believe God’s word about salvation and their faith life begins.  God’s plan is for their faith to grow through understanding the scriptures applied to life’s experiences. 

Chapter 11 of Hebrews is the BIG picture.  Faith progresses from one generation to the next.  It moves from history to the present, and in verse 40 to the culmination of our common faith.  The faith story will not be complete until we join those who were living by faith when they died.  To fully enjoy what God has planned, they are awaiting our arrival!  They were living by faith when they died; now they are living by faith as they await our arrival.  (Hebrews 11:13)

APPLICATION:  These verses give us comfort in knowing we will be joining our loved ones who have already crossed through death’s door into heaven and are now awaiting our arrival.  These scriptures give us courage to face difficulties, knowing they are all temporary.  They give us inspiration knowing we will be hearing their stories and sharing our stories.  These verses relieve disappointments for not receiving everything I expected in this life…even those already in heaven are awaiting “something better!” 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, the more I know you, the easier it is to live by faith.  Your promises are trustworthy, not because I want them to be, but because you said them!  You are trustworthy!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!