Introduction
In our exploration of Hebrews 11, we focus specifically on verses 30 and 31, which state that by faith, the walls of Jericho fell after the Israelites had marched for seven days and that Rahab, the prostitute, did not perish with the disobedient because she had welcomed the spies in peace. These verses not only call to mind the dramatic Old Testament accounts but also serve as a profound teaching moment about the essence of faith. The need for clarity regarding what constitutes true faith emerges, especially in light of cultural misunderstandings surrounding the concept.
Main Points
When We Talk About Faith It
When we talk about faith, it is crucial to distinguish between what the culture labels as faith and what the Bible defines as Christian faith. The prevalent idea of faith in contemporary society often resembles a version of 'Disney faith', a notion that if we believe strongly enough, we can manifest our desires.
- However, this notion lacks substance and can lead to disillusionment.
- In contrast, Christian faith transcends mere belief; it involves assurance in God, who has revealed Himself through Scripture and His works.
- As we examine the stories of Rahab and Jericho, we will gain a clearer understanding of what biblical faith entails, emphasizing the necessity of faith grounded in truth rather tha.
- The account of Jericho's walls falling is not just about the act of marching in faith; it is a testament to the power of the God in whom that faith is placed.
The Israelites Did Not Merely Hope
The Israelites did not merely hope for a miraculous outcome; they actively obeyed God's specific command. And it is this obedience, rooted in faith in a specific God, that is pivotal.
- Their faith was not wishful thinking; it was an actionable belief that God would fulfill His promise.
- This teaches us that faith involves an element of trust in God's reliability, demonstrated throughout history.
- The effectiveness of our faith is tied to who we believe in, not just the strength of our belief alone.
- Rahab's story significantly highlights the nature of faith and trust in God.
As A Marginalized Figure In Society
As a marginalized figure in society, she defied the norms by aligning herself with the Israelite spies, indicating her belief in their God. Rahab's faith was grounded in the recognition of God's sovereignty and might, based on the reports she heard about His past actions. Her acceptance of God's promise led to her salvation and inclusion in the lineage of Christ. This underscores that faith can spring from unexpected places, and it illustrates the grace of God that welcomes all who believe in Him, irrespective of their past or society's perceptions. Christian faith calls us to believe in the specific God revealed in Scripture, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, and to trust in the promises He has made. This specific belief system helps us navigate life's challenges without falling prey to disappointments that arise from trying to hold God to unmade promises.
When We Talk About Faith We
When we talk about faith, we must ensure we frame it within the context of what God has revealed about Himself and His purposes. Like the faithful believers celebrated in Hebrews 11, our faith today should be contingent upon what we know to be true about God and His intentions. It is not about believing hard enough but believing rightly. Embracing Christian faith requires that we live it out daily, founded on the truth of who God is rather than mere optimism. The call to faith means actively participating in trust and obedience to God’s word. This involves a commitment to understanding Scripture deeply and recognizing that faith without understanding can lead to misalignment with God’s will.
As Rahab Acted On Her Understanding
As Rahab acted on her understanding of who God was and what He could do, so are we called to act upon our faith, leading to transformative life changes. Too often, believers encounter profound disappointments when their expectations are misaligned with God's promises. This can evoke deep sadness, as was the case with a local pastor whose faith was shaken after their associate pastor passed despite fervent prayers. He had trusted that God would fulfill a promise that wasn’t explicitly granted; in this way, their faith had become entangled with unspoken expectations rather than solid truths from Scripture. We learn from such examples that resilience in faith takes root in knowing God and His promises accurately, which prevents the distress that arises from baseless expectations. In reflecting on faith through the lens of community, we recognize the importance of supporting one another in truth rather than evoking unfounded hopes.
As We Proclaim Our Faith Together
As we proclaim our faith together through creeds and confessions, we solidify our understanding of who God is. The Apostles’ Creed serves as a historical testimony, unifying believers in the essential truths of the Christian faith. Recognizing our shared beliefs fosters encouragement in our personal walk with God.
Conclusion
In examining the accounts of Jericho and Rahab in Hebrews 11, we see a rich tapestry of what it means to possess authentic Christian faith. It is an active trust imbued with the confidence that God is who He says He is and will fulfill His promises in His time. Central to this faith is the understanding that we believe in the specific God of Scripture and His divine revelation through Jesus Christ. Thus, our journey of faith is not merely about believing harder but embracing the truth of God’s character and His promises as we live out our lives, demonstrating faithfulness in our actions and responses to the world around us.