Faith Sees Beyond the Immediate!

Don't Stop Now!

A study of the NT book of Hebrews

by Pastor Frank Rice

Hebrews 11:20-29

We frequently hear people talking about plans for the future. They often declare, “I’m looking forward to…” (You can fill in the rest.) Most of us not only hear it said, but say much the same. Usually our plans are a few days, weeks, months, or perhaps even years into the future. We plan and dream by faith. But rarely do people plan beyond the grave. It’s difficult to believe what we’ve never actually seen! But biblical faith confidently looks forward to the future, especially beyond the grave, primarily because biblical faith is founded on the character and promises of God! Here are a few proofs and examples that should inspire believers to proceed by faith.

 

v     There are some commonalties in these three familiar heroes of faith.

1.      All three men (Isaac, Jacob, Joseph) faced imminent death. Each one knew that his end was near. Interestingly, “The son who was given back to Abraham is now set forth as an example of faith.” (O’Brien) Isaac saw his father’s faith lived out in difficult decisions and actions. Have your children seen your faith lived out?

2.      All three men identified with God’s people. “To live by the faith of Abraham is to identify with the people of God.” (Cockerill)

3.      All three men spoke to the living. Each addressed those who were alive and would go on living.

4.      All three men looked beyond the grave. They spoke of things beyond their life-span which would take place after they were gone. All three died, not in despair, but in vibrant hope!

 

v     There are some particulars in these three heroes of faith.

1.      Isaac’s blessing was given to two “imperfect and unworthy” sons (v. 20). But he was convinced God could & would work things out (Gen 27:2, 28-29, 39-40)! He’s preparing to “check out,” but by faith he spoke concerning things to come!

2.      Jacob’s blessing was pronounced while far away from the “land promised” (v. 21). He believed God could & would keep His promises and he did not waver (Gen 47:29; 48:15-16)!

3.      Joseph’s blessing included a firm conviction that God could & would rescue His people (v. 22). His instructions about his bones were communicated by faith (Gen 50:22-26; Ex13:19; Josh 24:32)!

 

v     “Joseph gives this command because he wants to continue to identify with the people of God even after his death.” Faith not only believes God’s promises but identifies with God’s people! 

 

v     Faith is demonstrated by Moses’ parents (v. 23). Faith takes root and is nurtured in the home!

1.      The faith of Moses’ parents is celebrated and set forth as an example of courage and commitment. Amram & Jochebed (Ex6:20) with Miriam & Aaron lived together in a slave hut.

2.      The parents somehow realized that their third child (Moses) had a special God-given purpose.

3.      The parents were unafraid and unintimidated by the king’s edict to kill all the baby boys. (Mature love casts out fear!)

4.      The parents hid the little guy for three months. They set an example and established an atmosphere of faith in the home. What they said, how they lived, and what they did communicated faith!

 

v     Faith is then demonstrated by Moses personally (vv. 24-28).

1.      Moses clearly identified with his people when he severed his ties withEgypt by killing an Egyptian (v. 24). Moses’ killing of the Egyptian was his definitive rejection of Egyptian privilege.

2.      Moses had rejected the advantages of Egypt long before his infamous deadly incident (vv. 24-26)! He refused the privileges of “sonship” and chose suffering by identifying with Messiah’s people.

3.      “Moses’ public identification with God’s own required courage because it exposed him to the ire of those who lived according to the goals and standards of the unbelieving world. If there ever was a person who, at great cost, identified with the people of God, it was Moses.” (Cockerill)

4.      Moses fearlessly abandoned Egypt and all it stood for as he confronted the most powerful person on earth & persevered thru months of intense hostility (v. 27)! (Note the actions!)

5.      Moses followed God’s instructions and protected God’s people, at great risk, from certain destruction (v. 28). He called for a national initiative in the Passover Plan. Faith means following God’s instructions!

6.      “The pastor invokes these three examples from the life of Moses in order to stimulate the courage necessary to continue living in dependence on God in the face of shame, rejection, and persecution.” (Cockerill)

 

v     Faith is then demonstrated by Moses’ people (v. 29).

1.      When Moses had led his people out of Egypt, he then faced the inescapable menace of mountains on two sides, a river in front of him, and an infuriated king behind him!

2.      When he called upon his people to trust God (They didn’t have a lot of options!), they by faith stepped into the dry riverbed, crossed over, and turned to see the enemy vanish!

3.      Moses’ “whole life is marked by the awareness of the presence and power of the unseen God, and believing obedience to His word.” (F F Bruce)

4.      The memory of faith is celebrated (Deut 34:10-12). Faith sees beyond the perceptible to what has been promised.

 

Faith lives differently. It does impact daily living. But it also sees beyond the immediate! And for that it is commended by God!