Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Hebrews 11:32-40.

 

“³² And what more shall I say?  For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, ³³ who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, ³⁴ quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.  ³⁵ Women received back their dead by resurrection;  and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection;  ³⁶ and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment.  ³⁷ They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword;  they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated ³⁸ (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.

 

³⁹ And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, ⁴⁰ because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.”  Hebrews 11:32-40.

 

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At first reading, there seems to be two groups of those who have faith and a sharp contrast between them.  The first group is “the victorious achievers”:  those who “conquered kingdoms”, “shut the mouths of lions”, and “put foreign armies to flight”.  Verses 32-34.  The second group is “the suffering believers”:  who were “tortured”, “afflicted” and “ill-treated”.  Verses 35-38.  

But then, we read verses 39-40.  “And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.”  Then, we understand that there is something better than victories in war and other miraculous success on earth which the first class, “the victorious achievers”, did receive.  There is also something better than peace on earth, absence of suffering, and abundant food, clothing and shelter which the second class, “the suffering believers”, did not receive. 

Then, we understand that there is really only one class.  We are all simply “believers” who have not yet received what is really important. 

We all believe and look forward to that  “something better” which God has promised us and provided for us which is heaven.  And, we all believe and look forward to being “made perfect” together. 

“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel.”  Hebrews 12:22-24. 

Today’s Scripture gives us hope and encouragement this Monday morning and throughout the week that no matter if we feel like a “victorious achiever” or a “suffering believer”, there is that “something better” for us that God has prepared for us. 

“Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”  Colossians 3:2.  Through faith, “you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect”.