20 December

Bible In 365 Days

Hebrews 11-13                    


Hebrews 11
Then follows a series of illustrations of the power of faith taken from the history of the Hebrew people. The first is that by faith men know that the ages have been fashioned by the Word of God.

After this comes the rapid survey of the triumphs of faith. Abel worshiped on the basis of sacrifice. Enoch walked in days of general defection. Noah worked as against all outward appearance. Abraham obeyed the divine call, obtained a son contrary to the course of Nature, and offered him at the apparent risk of bitterest disappointment Isaac predicted the line of divine activity. Jacob blessed the sons of Joseph. Joseph provided for moving his bones to the land of his fathers. Moses was preserved as a child by his parents, made choice as a man, and established the nation. The nation itself made its exit from Egypt, and, finally, found its way into Canaan. Then comes the story of a woman outside the covenant who, acting on the principle of faith, was included in the record of its triumphs.

Then comes a list of names, every one of which has its own story of triumph through faith; and, immediately succeeding, a list of deeds and victories accomplished in the same power. The pathway of faith had been a pathway of suffering, and those who have thus endured are described as being such "of whom the world was not worthy."
The fruitfulness of faith in all these instances is yet more clearly revealed in that none of them received the promise. Faith was strong enough to enable them to endure even to the end, postponing the final realization until the purposes of God should be wrought out in the history of men.


Hebrews 12
After this rapid survey of the past, the writer makes his great appeal. It is that we "consider Him" who is "the Author and Perfecter of faith."

The final appeals of the Epistle fall into four sections. In the first two the causes of weakening faith are recognized (Hebrews 12:4-17). In the third we have an epitomized statement of the arguments of encouragement (Hebrews 12: 18-24), and, finally, we have the last appeal and warning (Hebrews 12:25-29).
The ultimate exhortation of the epistle then occurs. The Epistle opened with a declaration that God had spoken, and now the writer says, "See that ye refuse not Him that speaketh."


Hebrews 13
The last chapter contains a series of general exhortations. It is evident that the letter was sent to those whose faith was being challenged and weakened, and whose love, therefore, was cooling. These are enjoined to love in its simple fact, then in its manifestation toward the stranger, and, finally, in tenderness to those who are in bonds. Paul enjoined them to purity and contentment.

Having dealt with matters of their inner life, he showed their true relationship toward teachers, truth, worship, service, and the overseers of the flock. Jesus Christ, concerning whom the whole epistle has been written, is declared to be unchanging. Therefore they, too, are not to be carried away by strange teaching.

The final words of the letter constitute a great prayer combined with personal messages. Paul's prayer for them is that they may be made perfect to do the will of God. The ground of confidence in this prayer is made clear by the statements surrounding the petition itself. It is prayer to the God of peace, who, through Jesus Christ, is "working in us that which is well-pleasing in His sight." Everything closes with the inclusive benediction, "Grace be with you all."