All of Us Together

Hebrews 11-Part 21
And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, morover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatsskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented, (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.  Hebrews 11:35b-40


LET IT GLOW

One of my favorite activities in grade school was jumping rope. Two girls would turn a long rope while some of us would take turns jumping it. We even made up chants to say while jumping. Of course, we would switch with the turners and let them have a turn to jump. It took all of us together in order for us to enjoy our activity. And so it will be when time on earth is completed and eternity is in session.

All those saints of Old Testament times obtained a good report through faith because they believed  in the promises of God-the coming Messiah, Jesus Christ, and an eternal heaven, a new Jerusalem, and the law pointed them to Him. The New Testament believers saw the Messiah in the flesh, but believed in their salvation by Christ's death on the cross and His resurrection. Christians in our time believe Christ fulfilled the law by being the sacrifical Lamb in our place as payment for our sins. It shall be all of us believers, Old Testament, New Testament, and modern times that will make up the eternal church. What a sight and sound that will be, when we all together sing praises to our God (Rev. 19)!

So we have more reasons to hold onto our faith than these heroes of faith did. Even though they obtained a good testimony through faith, they never saw the promise in the same way that we do on this side of the cross.We have been provided something better, seeing and enjoying the completed work of Jesus on our behalf. Therefore, don't let discouragement and tough times defeat us.
The older saints aren't perfect, which means complete, without us. They looked forward to Jesus and His work, while we look at it from behind, and enjoy the fruits of His work. (Guzik)

LET IT GROW

By faith, some saints were victorious under their circumstances, even though they were:

• tortured, which refers to being stretched on an insturment of torture resembling a drum, and beat to death. (Strong's Concordance)
• not choosing deliverance, but death, looked for a resurrection of life, eternity.
• mocked curely-Isaac by Ishmael, Samson by the Philistines, Elisha by children, Jeremiah by Pashur, Jews by Sanballat and Tobiah when building the Temple, prophets, whom God sent to the Jews.
• scourged-smitings as Jeremiah (Jer.20:22) and Micaiah (2Chron. 18:23-24).
• bonds (chains) and imprisonments-Joseph, Samson, and Jeremiah.
• stoned-Zechariah was stoned to death between the altar and the temple; Naboth was stoned to death by Jezebel's henchmen; Jerusalem stoned the prophets that were sent unto her (Matt. 23:37).
• sawn in two-Jewish tradition says Isaiah was by the order of Manasseh.
• were tempted to renounce their worship of God-an outside source states that Eleazar, along with his 7 brothers and mother were burned.
• were slain by the sword-85 priests murdered by Doeg, prophets in Elijah's day, priests of Nob ordered aby Saul, prophets of the Lord by Jezebel.
• wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins-Elijah, Slisha, and John the Baptist.
• destitute of food-Elijah was fed by ravens, the widow of Zarephath (1Kings 19:4-10).
• afflicted-refers to being driven to greatst straits, despairing of life, weary of it.
• tormented-or evilly treated, reproached, persecuted, made the filth of the world, offscouring of all things.,
• of whom the world wasn't worthy-such spiritual believers living for God were befriended by the world.
• wandered in deserts, mountains, dens, and caves-David, Elijah, prophets under Obediah's leadership.
• obtained a good report through faith-either those previously mentioned, or who were martyred.
• received not the promise of Canaan, the Messiah, and heaven.

[Resources: John Gill's Bible Commentary, David Guzik's Bible Commentary)

After reading about all these kinds of persecution for the faith, it seems such a small thing when I'm made fun of or criticized because of the stand I take for my Savior and His Word. I tend to let thosse things get me discouraged, but I shouldn't.

Did you notice that it took 21 lessons to make it through chapter 11? I have certainly enjoyed having you walk with me through it. Feel free to share any comments with us.

By faith Linda...


LET IT GO

Endure all for Jesus.

Keep the faith.

Walk with Him everyday.