Bible Pathway - December 15

Read Hebrews 11

Highlights:

Worthy fruits of faith, patience, godliness; warning against disobedience; service well-pleasing to God.

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country . . . a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God (Heb. 11:8-10).

Believers in Christ see the hand of God in ordinary experiences, such as where we shall live, our occupation, and who our friends should be. To the unbeliever, these decisions seem to be entirely in the sphere of man's own judgment. However, the true believer knows it is important to consult God on all life's decisions. The Holy Spirit will direct those who truly seek His direction in their decision making. Sometimes making decisions without consulting God can take us down a wrong track in life. We can avoid this by praying and following the direction of the Word of God. Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto My path (Ps. 119:105).

Although God's promise was not fulfilled during his lifetime, Abraham saw beyond the grave. In his heart he knew God did not deceive, even though at death he possessed only a grave in the promised land. They who know Christ best and have trusted God most are always the first to say that life is a series of disappointments to human reasoning. But our disappointments are His appointments. Everything in life is an opportunity for Christ to show how He is working in our lives. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28).

Abraham is spoken of as the Friend of God (James 2:23) and the father of many nations (Gen. 17:4-5). Note, too, that Abraham was a wanderer, a homeless man who lived in tents as a mere visitor in the land of promise — a sojourner. Yes, the thought of being homeless seems to be incompatible with happiness, but Abraham's life does illustrate that the great secret to contentment in life is faith in the faithfulness of God.

God's promises may seem at first to assure earthly goods. With all our life before us, that is what we seem primarily to desire. However, life seldom fulfills the promises just as we first understand them. As one thing after another disappoints us, we need to see how God is leading us to see beyond life's unsatisfying deceptive rewards to His eternal treasure. As we grow in faith, we look beyond life's corruptible possessions to the heavenly city as Abraham did. Abraham illustrates the inseparability of faith and obedience.

Without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6).

Thought for the Day: To fulfill God's purpose, we must follow His leading since He knows what is best.

Cross References:

For Heb. 11:18: See Gen. 21:12. Heb. 12:5-6: See Prov. 3:11-12. Heb. 12:12: See Is. 35:3. Heb. 12:26: See Hag. 2:6. Heb. 13:5: See Josh. 1:5; also Deut. 31:8. Heb. 13:6: See Ps. 118:6.

Word Studies:

11:29 assaying, attempting; 13:9 divers, various.

Prayer Suggestion: Praise God for godly men of old who were faithful to record His Word of Truth (Hab. 2:1-2).

Memory Verse for the Week: Luke 1:37