Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Hebrews 11:1.

 

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”  Hebrews 11:1.

 

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There is a component of faith that God is good to us and that is assured that God will show lovingkindness to us.  Compare “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for” (Verse 1) with “he who comes to God must believe that … He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6). 

 

To get a better understanding of this component of faith, contrast those without faith who “shrink back into destruction” (Hebrews 10:39) with those with faith who “draw near (to God) with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22).  

 

How do we consider the hands of God?  Consider those without faith:  “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:31).  Consider those with faith:  “Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, So our eyes look to the LORD our God, Until He is gracious to us.”  Psalm 123:2

 

In conclusion, the Heidelberg Catehism nails down this component of faith that God is good to us and that is assured that God will show lovingkindness to us.

 

Question 26.  What believest thou when thou sayest, “I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth”?

 

Answer.  That the eternal Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (who of nothing made heaven and earth, with all that is in them;  who likewise upholds and governs the same by his eternal counsel and providence) is for the sake of Christ his Son, my God and my Father;  on whom I rely so entirely, that I have no doubt, but he will provide me with all things necessary for soul and body: and further, that he will make whatever evils he sends upon me, in this valley of tears turn out to my advantage; for he is able to do it, being Almighty God, and willing, being a faithful Father.