Friday Devo
Scripture:
Hebrews 11:35-40
But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. 36 Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. 37 Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. 38 They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.
39 All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. 40 For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.
But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. 36 Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. 37 Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. 38 They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.
39 All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. 40 For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.
Commentary:
11:39–40 commended through their faith. Cf. vv. 2, 4–5. did not receive what was promised. Most of those mentioned in this chapter saw only preliminary glimpses of what was specifically promised (see v. 13), and all were anticipating a greater future hope (v. 16). In light of chs. 1–10, something better for us refers to the new covenant realities of the superior Son of God, with his superior priesthood, and the consequent eternal perfection of the faithful. made perfect. The perfection of believers is elsewhere the goal (10:14; 12:23; cf. 7:19; 9:9; 10:1), accomplished through the work of the perfect Son of God (2:10; 5:9; 7:28). apart from us. The saints of the OT, along with those of this era, will partake together of the same end-times perfection: sinless selves in deathless resurrection bodies.
Questions:
- It's important to note that most faithful Christians, since the beginning of the church age, have had to endure suffering in order to follow Jesus. At the very least they were looked down upon, ostracized, poor and friendless. And some paid the ultimate price with their lives. We, in America, are a blip on the radar. We are so fortunate to not have to undergo real persecution, although we could very soon. And somehow we've talked ourselves into believing that this means we are more faithful than others, more favored by God. Lord, forgive us! Are you guilty of this type of thinking? How can we adjust our minds to be more grateful and less haughty? What might that do to your relationship with God?
- In this life, Jesus gives us little glimpses into the paradise that is to come. We know that evil and pain will not last forever because God intends to make all things right. Whether we die and wake up with him in heaven or Jesus comes back, our suffering is only temporary. This should fill the people of God with joy and excitement! This isn't because we are always happy and healthy, rather, because we know that God holds the ultimate victory. So even when we grieve we can grieve with hope! In your day to day life, how much hope do you have? Do you have an eternal perspective when it comes to your problems? If you did, how might that affect your level of hope and joy?
Pray:
- That you would live a grateful life.
- That you would have an eternal perspective, giving you hope and joy in life.
This Week's City 7:
Try to commit to memory!
5. Why do I follow Jesus? I follow Jesus because Jesus rose from the dead proving that He is the way, the truth and the life.
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
(Matthew 7:24-27; John 14:6)
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