Thomas G. Long, in his commentary on Hebrews in the Interpretation Bible Commentary series describes the people to whom the author of Hebrews writes. “His congregation is exhausted. They are tired—tired of serving the world, tired of worship, tired of Christian education, tired of being peculiar
and whispered about in society, tired of the spiritual struggle, tired of trying to keep their prayer life going, tired even of Jesus” (p. 3).
I’m guessing that many of us can relate to this sentiment, either in our congregation or in our own spiritual life. What is interesting, is that the writer responds to this situation with a healthy dose of theology in general and Christology in particular. Throughout this book, there is a one-two punch of strong doctrine leading to pastoral encouragement. The lectionary passage from Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, seeks to offer reassurance and inspiration to the flagging congregation.
The beginning of this passage (11:1) sets the stage for what follows by defining faith, “the assurance of things hoped for and conviction of things” unseen. Faith is not merely an assent to doctrine, but a
bedrock confidence to the point of certainty, that what is believed is actually true. The content of faith is the truth of what God has done in and through Jesus for the sake of the world. Despite a lack of evidence, or even evidence to the contrary, faith clings to the certainty that God has been, is and always will be at work in the world.
Using Abraham and Sarah as an example, the author extols the faith evidenced in their story: by faith Abraham obeyed, by faith Abraham stayed, by faith Sarah conceived. Faith is the thread woven throughout the lives of Abraham and Sarah.
While faith is crucial there is another theme woven into this remembrance of Abraham and Sarah – promise. Abraham stayed in the land of promise. Sarah and Abraham considered God faithful to God’s promise. Even Isaac and Jacob are linked to God’s promise. Faith is clinging to and claiming God’s promises.
Faith is clinging to and claiming God’s promises. Yet, in all the stories alluded to in Hebrews 11, faith leads to some sort of activity. Faith is not passive, but active. Faith impels believers to act in such a way that the hoped for future becomes a reality. It includes moving forward in trust, persevering in the midst of adversity and living into God’s mission of outreaching love.
As the summer draws to a close and the new program year begins, I pray that you will continue the overarching narrative of Hebrews 11. Through faith in God’s promises, move forward into God’s future with perseverance and vision. Remember, that Christ promises that he will be with us until the end of the age, that the gates of Hades will not prevail against the church, that we are children of God, that we are uniquely gifted and unified to become the Body of Christ. Whatever the particulars of your context are, may God bless your efforts, grant you fulfillment in them
and enable you to become a blessing to others.
Work Cited: Long, Thomas G. Hebrews. Edited by James L. Mays and Paul J. Achtemeier: John Knox Press, 1997.