Hebrews 11:39 – “And all these, having obtained a good testimony
through faith, did not receive the promise.”
Today’s New Testament reading is a summation of the catalogue of the heroes of faith. Chapter 11 tells us of the great exploits of the giants of scripture. We’ve read their stories and been inspired by their accomplishments. They share a common ingredient for their success: faith. My, what faith can do.
But there is another category of individuals who don’t have conquests on their resumes. Yet they are commended for their faith just as much as Abraham and David. They are simply referred to as “others.” These are the nameless heroes who, beginning in verse 36, “…had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 37They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented…” Did you get that? I don’t think today’s teachings on faith would include the destitute (those who fail, lack, and suffer need), afflicted, tormented and those wandering about in common attire. Look at our devotional verse today. Especially notice the words “did not receive.” I have known godly people through the years who had faith but did not receive. Have you known anyone like that? How do we reconcile today’s teachings on faith with accounts such as the ones just mentioned?
We must understand that faith is greater than our current definition. Hebrews chapter 11 highlights two types of faith: delivering faith and enduring faith. Everyone wants delivering faith, me included.
Today’s faith teachings are heavily on the side of delivering faith. However, the sovereignty of God decides which side of the equation I receive. The key is to have faith, regardless of the outcome, so that one day you too will be commended, whether you received what you were asking for or not.