Faith.
Faith is a big topic in some circles, like this one. It is one of the big three in 1 Corinthians 13, i.e. faith, hope, and love. It is something we need to see God. Depending on the translation you consult the word “faith” occurs somewhere between 247 and 274 times in the Bible. It will not surprise you then when I say it is a word with many variations in meaning. This Sunday we are looking at faith from the perspective of the writer of Hebrews.
Hebrews 11 is colloquially referred to as “The Faith Chapter” and if you read it you will see why, according to the internet there are twenty-eight instances of the word “faith” in the chapter in the New International Version. But what kind of faith is being discussed here? Is it that saving kind of faith? Not really. So what kind of faith is it?
When we look at the stories of the people in Hebrews 11 what we see are people who were moving toward something they could neither see and touch at the moment, nor could they logically see it coming. Noah could not have “logic-ed” his way to a flood and the need of an ark. Abraham and Sarah could not have “logic-ed” themselves to having a baby in advanced old age; logic and physiology would lead them to the opposite conclusion. The faith of Hebrews 11 is the faith to keep going regardless of what seems sensible, and perhaps even what seems rational, because God has revealed a need for you to move forward. It is faith in God moving these people forward, not signposts attesting to the sensibleness of their actions, because for some of them, there were never any signposts at all.
Give one or both of these a listen and let me know if you think I got it right, or if I got it wrong, I’m interested either way.
“Faith” Knox Presbyterian (to download, right click and select “Save Link As . . .”)
“Faith” St. Mark’s Presbyterian (to download, right click and select “Save Link As . . .”)
Blessings,
Picture credit: This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC
Thank you Barry. In thinking of “what do I do now”—-that I couldn’t do the past 4 years here—- some things have come to mind and not all of them are what I would naturally choose, but be out of my comfort zone. I’m praying and asking, but also don’t feel hurried. I think I am coming out of the “daze” (cant think of a different word) of the past month, or months, and beginning to feel. Sometimes when I cry I’m not sure what all I’m mourning and grieving, it’s like a jumble of things. Thank you for your sermon today
I am very happy if my sermon helped in any way. I think “daze” is a very good way do describe what you were going through. It may come back again but if it does, you know you can make it through without any real problems.
I am also happy you aren’t feeling hurried. It strikes me often how frequently we (our culture) are in a hurry for no better reason than because. Take all the time you need, I know you will.
Be well in these days of transition.