Demonstrating Their Faith

Hebrews 11:20-31

Several years ago, a counselor dealing with depressed and unhappy children observed that when they got involved in doing something, they forgot to be depressed and unhappy, and developed a more positive attitude. When a person acted as if they were not depressed, focusing on something else, they ceased to be depressed, or as he put it, Emotions follow actions, In a world where childhood and teen depression is rampant this is a valuable discovery. The best way to overcome these problems is to get the kids doing something. They’ll get over being depressed. The activity will produce feelings of enjoyment, even if the activity is something they don’t enjoy.

Faith has a similar relationship to works. Our beliefs influence our actions. A person who doesn’t believe he can write a book will never be sufficiently motivated to continue until he finishes. He may never start, or he may, with encouragement, start, but never commit to finishing. He will avoid actions crucial to success because they require faith in his ability. Faith in God is the same. If we don’t trust him, we will never commit except to do what we expect to produce immediate desired results with assurance we will be proven right, or receive the desired benefit. Real faith enables us to step beyond these immediate and obvious results.

“By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.”(Hebrews 11:20) Genesis 27:27-40 describes the blessing Isaac gave, a prophetic promise as to what they were to receive in the future. Had he not believed God’s promise, he could never have made such a prophecy. Genesis 48 records a similar blessing by Jacob on Joseph’s two sons, speaking of a time far in the future. Joseph made similar predictions, and instructed that when they occurred, his bones were to be transported to the place. His faith prompted giving these instructions.

“By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.” (Hebrews 11:21-22)

While there is an instinctive desire to protect our children, cultures who have no hope for their children’s survival, or who fear for their own lives may well allow their children’s death, as demonstrated by cultures such as China or India. Moses’ parents trusted God, hiding him for three months, then allowing him to be discovered in a specific manner, believing God was able to overcome the government’s power. “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.” (Hebrews 11:23)

Because of his faith in God’s promises, Moses chose to give up his secure position as Pharaoh’s adopted grandson, and as a potential heir to the throne of Egypt, one of the most powerful and richest nations in the world at the time. His decision resulted in loss of his position, and spending forty years herding sheep in isolation in the desert, having no contact with his friends and family.

“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.” (Hebrews 11:24-29)

Moses continued to demonstrate his faith, by obeying Gods command in keeping the Passover and getting the nation of Israel to do so. Moses’ faith was a major factor in Israel trusting God to take them safely across the Red Sea and walking between the walls of water on both sides. Believing in their abilities to do anything others could do, the Egyptian army attempted to do the same and was destroyed as a result of misplaced faith.

Against one of the most heavily fortified cities of their day, Israel followed a battle plan that seemed doomed to failure because God directed them to do so. The result was the collapse of Jericho’s defenses and total annihilation of the city, except for Rahab’s family.

“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.” (Hebrews 11:30-31)

All the people of Jericho acted on their belief that God would give Israel victory over Jericho. Most of them concentrated on strengthening their defenses, in hopes of thwarting God’s plan. Rahab, on the other hand, believed that God would prevail and offered her help in exchange for her life. Her faith caused her to take a different approach. It saved her, and her family’s lives.

Real faith often leads to actions contrary to the commonly accepted practice. Those actions are in accord with our beliefs. If the faith is properly placed, the final result will be as expected. If misplaced, it may be disastrous.