Testing God

Toward a New Creation
Judgment and Salvation

Assurances and Joy for the Faithful

Hebrews 11:13-22  The Message

^13-16 Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world. People who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home. If they were homesick for the old country, they could have gone back any time they wanted. But they were after a far better country than that—heaven country. You can see why God is so proud of them, and has a City waiting for them.

^17-19 By faith, Abraham, at the time of testing, offered Isaac back to God. Acting in faith, he was as ready to return the promised son, his only son, as he had been to receive him—and this after he had already been told, “Your descendants shall come from Isaac.” Abraham figured that if God wanted to, he could raise the dead. In a sense, that’s what happened when he received Isaac back, alive from off the altar.
²⁰ By an act of faith, Isaac reached into the future as he blessed Jacob and Esau.
²¹ By an act of faith, Jacob on his deathbed blessed each of Joseph’s sons in turn, blessing them with God’s blessing, not his own—as he bowed worshipfully upon his staff.
²² By an act of faith, Joseph, while dying, prophesied the exodus of Israel, and made arrangements for his own burial.

For Reflection

Have you been tested?  You may not know that you have been tested.  God challenges us daily.  The challenges of our common culture test us constantly.  Be prepared to meet the tests by study, practicing humility and prayer.


Pray

Pray about everything.  Pray so that you might strengthen your resolve toward righteousness.