Hebrews 11–13 and An Update

Hebrews 11 - 13

You probably have no idea how many times I have wanted to start a blog by describing the Scripture we were reading as "one of my favorites." Well, this time, I am going to say it. Chapter 11 is the "FAITH" chapter and starts by defining faith: "the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen,; it give us assurance about things we cannot see." The author then goes on to give example after example of people of faith and the action they took to demonstrate that faith.

We learn it is by faith that ”we understand the entire universe was formed at God's command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen."

He mentions specific acts of faith on the part of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Moses' parents, Moses, the people of Israel, and Rahab. We learn that without faith it is impossible to please God, that those who come to Him must believe that He exists and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. He then mentions others who have stories of faith and all of the actions that people took by faith: shutting the mouths of lions, quenching the flames of fire, escaping death by the edge of the sword, becoming strong in battle and putting whole armies to flight. He also mentions those who were tortured, jeered at, and had their backs cut open with whips.

The transition from chapter eleven to chapter twelve is priceless. Using the word "Therefore," the author challenges all of us to "strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up, and to run with endurance the race God has set before us. He tells us how to do that - by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.

And what did Jesus do that we should emulate? "Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God's throne." In other words, when you think of what Christ went through, what he suffered, what hostility he endured, you won't become weary and give up.

Did you notice that "we have an altar from which the priests in the Tabernacle have no right to eat." We can "offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don't forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God."

Could you believe that, at the end, he urges the "dear brothers and sisters" to pay attention to what he had written in "this brief exhortation?"

As the last verse says, "May God's grace be with you all."

Tomorrow, we'll read II Timothy.

An Update

By the way, I have been feeling much better the last couple of days, but still have a little cough.  At least, I have some of my energy back, I’m working on testing some recipes for a possible set of cookbooks. This morning, I tested my Aunt Lana’s Baking Powder Biscuits with the right number of tablespoons of shortening – they turned out much better. My Aunt Ruth’s Sugar Cookies were also very tasty, though I had to taste a couple to make sure.

Aunt Lana’s Baking Powder Biscuits

Aunt Ruth’s Sugar Cookies

Until next time…