Subscription Lists
The Way
by Kevin Pauley
These all died in faith without having received the promises, but they saw them from a distance, greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth. - Hebrews 11:13 HCSB
Hebrews 11 is sometimes referred to as the Great Hall of Faith. This chapter lists many of the greatest heroes and heroines of the Faith. We find such illustrious names as Abel, Enoch, Noah and Abraham. The first half tells of all the victories that these saints enjoyed, but then it tells us that they did all these things without actually receiving the promise. The promise it refers to was the coming of the Messiah. They did not fully understand the ramifications of their dream. They did not fully grasp what possibilities lay ahead. All they knew was the character of God in which they had placed their trust.
Often such dreams have brought ridicule to those who held them. Again in Hebrews we read “…Some men were tortured, not accepting release, so that they might gain a better resurrection, and others experienced mockings and scourgings, as well as bonds and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they died by the sword, they wandered about in sheepskins, in goatskins, destitute, afflicted, and mistreated. The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts, mountains, caves, and holes in the ground. All these were approved through their faith, but they did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, so that they would not be made perfect without us.”[1]
Their faith enabled them to work on, and to finally achieve victory. Faith in God enables us to understand the task of trying to live like Jesus Christ. Faith in “impossible dreams” has changed the world not once but many times. When Toyohiko Kagawa tried, he was called “God’s fool.” When Albert Schweitzer tried, he was criticized for giving up a career in music and philosophy for work as a medical missionary.
Let’s dare to dream that the churches in this county can pull together in coalitions to build the Kingdom of Christ; of a common fund to which all the churches contribute that would help the poor of our county. Let’s dispel the myth that we cannot rise above our present level and provide even more for our people. People may scoff.
However, faith in God supplies the hope which enables us to be more than conquerors. Paul said, “For me, living is Christ and dying is gain.”[2] We are called to live lives marked by the unity that can only come from common goals and dreams. We are called to unite under our Master’s banner, charge into the fray and set Evil’s armies on their heels. We are offered the possibility of becoming co-workers and co-heirs with Christ. But first, we must be willing to dream.
[1] Hebrews 11:35-40 HCSB
[2] Philippians 1:21 HCSB
Kevin Pauley is a pastor and writer. He lives in Illinois with his wife, Lynn, their five children and two dogs. His internet address is Berea.
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "The Way" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.