Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 11:32-40 (S.O.A.P Hebrews 11:39-40)
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 Through faith they conquered kingdoms, administered justice,[a] gained what was promised,[b] shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched raging fire,[c] escaped the edge of the sword, gained strength in weakness,[d] became mighty in battle, put foreign armies to flight, 35 and women received back their dead raised to life.[e] But others were tortured, not accepting release, to obtain resurrection to a better life.[f]36 And others experienced mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, sawed apart,[g] murdered with the sword; they went about in sheepskins and goatskins; they were destitute, afflicted, ill-treated 38 (the world was not worthy of them); they wandered in deserts and mountains and caves and openings in the earth. 39 And these all were commended[h] for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised.[i]40 For God had provided something better for us, so that they would be made perfect together with us.[j]
The blessings these faithful witnesses were to enjoy is still in the future because they come from the person of Jesus – His death on the cross, His resurrected life and His victory over Satan, sin, death and hell.
No matter our difficulties and trials, we should hold fast to our faith so that we, together with these faithful witnesses, can testify of Christ’s goodness and grace to us – and to all men.
Christ’s promises NEVER fail.