This passage contains the faith records of those in the Exodus generation, stretching from Moses to Rahab. Moses' life was filled with moments requiring great faith— from his parents saving his life at birth to his keeping of the Passover. It is important to note that Moses' faith wasn't perfect; his hesitancy to go to Pharaoh (Exod. 4:1-17) is well documented. However, he clearly still went forward in faith, expecting and hoping for a greater reward. His fear didn't overtake his faith; if it had, he wouldn't have continued forward in obeying God in the ways mentioned.
The same must be said about the Israelites. The author of Hebrews leans upon their crossing the Red Sea and circling the city as ways they demonstrated faith. What if churches in Milwaukee marched around the city with prayer for 7 days?! However, there are extensive examples of their complaining and lamenting the departure from Egypt (Exod. 14:11). Again, their faith, though not perfect, was evident in their actions. Rahab, too, was fearful of the Israelites and the LORD (Josh. 2:8-13) along with the rest of the people of Jericho. However, her actions demonstrated her faith in God and his greater purposes.
Where to Land the Plane.
The author of Hebrews is giving us examples of faith— examples that are clearly imperfect, but still moving forward in faith. Despite the mentions of fears, the truth remains that they took these significant steps of faith. All of these steps were in hope of God's greater plan, which comes to ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Had Christ not endured all that he did, the greater reward wouldn't be possible. Milwaukee Churches can and should thank God as they consider what Christ accomplished on the cross. Further, where our faith falls short, we must remember Christ's perfect faithfulness. Don't be confused: Christ's perfection doesn't simply fill in the gaps where we fall short. Instead, Christ became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21).
Let us fully lean upon Christ as the Perfect and Faithful savior. Let us walk by faith that through him we will inherit all that has been promised to us as God's people. Let us fully affirm our need for Christ to be the perfection that we will never be.
The same must be said about the Israelites. The author of Hebrews leans upon their crossing the Red Sea and circling the city as ways they demonstrated faith. What if churches in Milwaukee marched around the city with prayer for 7 days?! However, there are extensive examples of their complaining and lamenting the departure from Egypt (Exod. 14:11). Again, their faith, though not perfect, was evident in their actions. Rahab, too, was fearful of the Israelites and the LORD (Josh. 2:8-13) along with the rest of the people of Jericho. However, her actions demonstrated her faith in God and his greater purposes.
Where to Land the Plane.
The author of Hebrews is giving us examples of faith— examples that are clearly imperfect, but still moving forward in faith. Despite the mentions of fears, the truth remains that they took these significant steps of faith. All of these steps were in hope of God's greater plan, which comes to ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Had Christ not endured all that he did, the greater reward wouldn't be possible. Milwaukee Churches can and should thank God as they consider what Christ accomplished on the cross. Further, where our faith falls short, we must remember Christ's perfect faithfulness. Don't be confused: Christ's perfection doesn't simply fill in the gaps where we fall short. Instead, Christ became sin for us so that we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21).
Let us fully lean upon Christ as the Perfect and Faithful savior. Let us walk by faith that through him we will inherit all that has been promised to us as God's people. Let us fully affirm our need for Christ to be the perfection that we will never be.
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