NT Fire Starters – Day 316: Hebrews 11:17-40
READ: Hebrews 11:17-40
THINK: When reading about the great feats of faith in the Bible, it’s easy to feel inadequate about your own faith. After all, it’s difficult to imagine ourselves in some of the situations described in Scripture. Looking back on these events, we often forget that most of the people involved had no idea what was about to happen. They were ordinary people who trusted God for extraordinary things. Facing impossible circumstances, they realized that trusting God was the only viable option. But denying God or doubting His Word were simply not options, regardless of the cost or consequences. If you’re willing to trust God like that, you too can experience His power and guidance in extraordinary ways.
RESPOND: What extreme test of faith did Abraham experience, and how did he respond (v. 17)? In what way did this incident demonstrate extraordinary faith in God’s promise (vv. 18-19)? How did Jeseph’s dying request reflect faith in God’s promise (v. 22)? How and why did Moses’ parents show faith (v. 23)? What choice did Moses make because of faith, and what price did he pay as a result (vv. 24-27)? (See 11:25 note.) What inspired Moses’ faith (vv. 26-27)? How did the faith of these individuals benefit an entire nation? What were the results of their faith and what were they able to do because of it (vv. 29-30, 33-35)? What price did these individuals pay for their faith (vv. 35-37)? Why do you think God allows faithful people to suffer? (See 11:35 note and article on The Suffering of the Righteous, p. 638.) What do you think it means that their “weakness was turned to strength” (v. 34)? What do you think it means that “the world was not worthy of them” (v. 38)? What can you learn from these examples, and what must you be prepared to endure for your own faith? (See 11:38 note.) Regarding the heroes of faith mentioned in chapter 11, what does it mean that “only together with us would they be made perfect”? (See 11:40 note.) What were they looking forward to that we now look back on? How did this guarantee God’s promises for all His people–past, present and future?
PRAY: Pray that God will help you be willing to sacrifice anything for Him. Thank Him for the fact that nothing you put aside in following Him can keep you from fulfilling His purposes and being who He wants you to be.
ACT: Attempt or instigate something bold and out of the ordinary for God today–something that could set the stage for God to do greater things through you in the days ahead. Don’t be afraid of what others may think or do.