Isaac and Jacob
INTRODUCTION
As we study the famous faith chapter of Hebrews 11, we are discovering some wonderful examples of faith throughout Bible history. Each of these individuals was singled out to be examples for us due to one (and only one) vital ingredient in their lives…their absolute and unwavering faith in God. As we read their stories, hopefully we are gaining a much deeper understanding of this thing we call faith. But our goal is not only to understand faith but to live it out!
ISAAC, JACOB
The next three men of faith mentioned in this chapter all have one thing in common. They are direct descendants of Abraham and Sarah who were the authors’ examples previously. As you might recall, God promised Abraham, among other blessings, countless descendants that would become a mighty nation under God. We see this promise being fulfilled in the next examples of faith -- son Isaac, grandson Jacob, and great-grandson Joseph.
Each of these followed in their father’s footsteps and possessed faith in Yahweh (God). The author briefly summarizes three specific acts that reveal their total trust in God.
Both Isaac and Jacob, shortly before their death, laid hands on their children or grandchildren and gave them a special blessing. Now this was a common practice in that ancient day, but the content of these particular blessings was based solely upon God’s promises to or expectations for or destiny planned for their children. Both of these stories contain unique twists and turns within the blessings and make for intriguing reading.
However, the ultimate point the author wants to make is the fact that both Isaac and Jacob blessed these future generations by faith based upon their specific leading from God. They fully believed the blessing they delivered would be completely fulfilled by God Himself.
In other words, when it was spoken, it was accomplished. It could never be retracted. The giver of the blessing could never say, “Woops, I didn’t mean to say that. Let me try again.” No, it was done. It was accomplished. It was already set in motion. Believing God would surely fulfill the blessing was a sign of a most powerful faith.
UNSEEN FAITH
We can arrive at the place of faith where the words we speak are exactly God’s intent (objective, purpose) in a given situation. When we are “one with God” in thought, word, and deed (heart and mind) then our own words become powerful, living language. What we speak will be accomplished. Why? Because it is God’s plan. Folks, this is faith!
Again, let me remind you of the focus of faith in this chapter. All of the Godly men and women mentioned either acted upon and/or lived their entire lives based upon God’s Word or God’s promises to them. They believed in the “unseen” spiritual realm as much or more than the “seen,” physical, material world.
In other words, they trusted in an unseen God along with an unseen future heaven and unseen spiritual blessings and the unseen (but expected) fulfillment of God’s promises more than anything tangible or touchable in this world. They, in fact, could spiritually “see” God just as clearly as they could “see” you and me. God was just as real to them. People, this is faith!
So yes, we are called to believe in the unseen, spiritual Kingdom of God. This faith is what saves us, sanctifies us (makes us more like God), and pleases God. But as I have stated so many times, it is not a “shot in the dark” or a leap over a cliff into the unknown. God has provided everything we need in order to have genuine faith. So we have no excuse for failing to act upon and live by that faith.
INTRODUCTION
As we study the famous faith chapter of Hebrews 11, we are discovering some wonderful examples of faith throughout Bible history. Each of these individuals was singled out to be examples for us due to one (and only one) vital ingredient in their lives…their absolute and unwavering faith in God. As we read their stories, hopefully we are gaining a much deeper understanding of this thing we call faith. But our goal is not only to understand faith but to live it out!
ISAAC, JACOB
The next three men of faith mentioned in this chapter all have one thing in common. They are direct descendants of Abraham and Sarah who were the authors’ examples previously. As you might recall, God promised Abraham, among other blessings, countless descendants that would become a mighty nation under God. We see this promise being fulfilled in the next examples of faith -- son Isaac, grandson Jacob, and great-grandson Joseph.
Each of these followed in their father’s footsteps and possessed faith in Yahweh (God). The author briefly summarizes three specific acts that reveal their total trust in God.
Both Isaac and Jacob, shortly before their death, laid hands on their children or grandchildren and gave them a special blessing. Now this was a common practice in that ancient day, but the content of these particular blessings was based solely upon God’s promises to or expectations for or destiny planned for their children. Both of these stories contain unique twists and turns within the blessings and make for intriguing reading.
However, the ultimate point the author wants to make is the fact that both Isaac and Jacob blessed these future generations by faith based upon their specific leading from God. They fully believed the blessing they delivered would be completely fulfilled by God Himself.
In other words, when it was spoken, it was accomplished. It could never be retracted. The giver of the blessing could never say, “Woops, I didn’t mean to say that. Let me try again.” No, it was done. It was accomplished. It was already set in motion. Believing God would surely fulfill the blessing was a sign of a most powerful faith.
UNSEEN FAITH
We can arrive at the place of faith where the words we speak are exactly God’s intent (objective, purpose) in a given situation. When we are “one with God” in thought, word, and deed (heart and mind) then our own words become powerful, living language. What we speak will be accomplished. Why? Because it is God’s plan. Folks, this is faith!
Again, let me remind you of the focus of faith in this chapter. All of the Godly men and women mentioned either acted upon and/or lived their entire lives based upon God’s Word or God’s promises to them. They believed in the “unseen” spiritual realm as much or more than the “seen,” physical, material world.
In other words, they trusted in an unseen God along with an unseen future heaven and unseen spiritual blessings and the unseen (but expected) fulfillment of God’s promises more than anything tangible or touchable in this world. They, in fact, could spiritually “see” God just as clearly as they could “see” you and me. God was just as real to them. People, this is faith!
So yes, we are called to believe in the unseen, spiritual Kingdom of God. This faith is what saves us, sanctifies us (makes us more like God), and pleases God. But as I have stated so many times, it is not a “shot in the dark” or a leap over a cliff into the unknown. God has provided everything we need in order to have genuine faith. So we have no excuse for failing to act upon and live by that faith.
