We all need a little encouragement in this life so that we might
be able to face the various trials that we meet. In our own faith
toward God we need to realize that God provides us with this
encouragement. If we could only realize that we have so many who have
shown us the way that we should live, and that they stand as witnesses
to our own faith, then we might try harder to live before God and all
men as we should.
This was one problem that existed when Paul penned his letter to the
Hebrews. Their faith was being tried as never before, and they needed
some encouragement to remain faithful: even in difficult times. This
encouragement comes in what we know as the eleventh chapter. If we
could view this chapter like a piece of beautifully written music, we
might be able to learn its great secret and live our lives in harmony to
God's will for us.
All music possesses a theme. The theme of a piece of great music flows
throughout, building to this climax, where its listeners are affected by
this theme. Paul's writing in this section of Hebrews is similar to a
well written symphony. You have the theme presented in the first
movement. Next, the theme is developed by various minor themes, which
broadens the scope and impact of the major theme. The third movement
sometimes is a fast paced intermixing of the major and minor themes.
The fourth movement usually brings all the themes together for the
conclusion. All this is well orchestrated, with the final effect being
to move the listeners to some experience or action.
THE MAJOR THEME
The major theme of this section of Hebrews is presented in the first
verse: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of
things not seen." The key word in this theme is FAITH. One note,
however, does not make a musical theme; so, too, one word is not the
theme of Paul's message. Faith IS something. It is the substance or
confidence of the things we hope for. If we do not possess confidence
in God's word, then we cannot possess faith. Our confidence in God's
word creates within us our faith. It is also the evidence or proof of
the things which we cannot see. The word of God provides the evidence
we need to sustain our faith in the promises which God has given. Thus
the theme, then, consists of what our faith is made from and how we can
continue to maintain that faith. This theme, then, will be developed
throughout this section of Hebrews, with the purpose to move the
Christian to action on their faith.
THE THEME DEFINED
Next, Paul defines this theme: "for by it the elders obtained a good
report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the
word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which
do appear." This simple, yet powerful definition of our faith
illustrates how our own faith can sustain us, even during difficult
times. To further define this theme, Paul provides two simple examples.
"By faith" we see that Abel and Enoch demonstrated this theme in their
lives. Abel, although dead, still speaks of his faith today, and Enoch
is a grand illustration of one who pleased God. These two men show
forth the theme in its fullness.
THE SECOND MOVEMENT
The second movement begins with the introduction of the minor themes.
"But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to
God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that
diligently seek him:" (verse 6). There are three minor themes in this
verse: first, if we do not possess this type of faith, as Abel and
Enoch, then we cannot be found pleasing before God. The consequences of
such a state is too fearful to consider. The second minor theme is that
we must, by this faith, believe that God is who He says He is. This
sounds simple, yet the word for "believe" means to be fully persuaded
that God is who He says He is. It is one thing to say you really
believe in God, and another to BELIEVE fully in Him. Last, we must have
confidence that God is a God of promise. Unlike men, God does
not go back or forget His promises. If we are faithful, then we shall
receive the full benefit of His promises.
THE THIRD MOVEMENT
The third movement is usually the longest in most compositions. Here
the theme and its minor themes are well developed. This is true of
Paul's development of the theme of faith. We have nine examples of this
theme presented. In each we have the three minor themes illustrated in
varying degrees. With the illustration of Abraham these themes are well
developed. In each we have the expression "by faith," then we learn of
their belief in God and their confidence in God's promises. Yet, we
find that the final consequence of their faith is not mentioned. Some
musical scores are like this, in that they wait until the conclusion to
bring the theme to its final conclusion.
THE FAITHFUL
Toward the end of the third movement we have a list of others whose
faith is an example for us to follow. Of these Paul said: "of whom the
world was not worthy. Looking over this list we find some of the trials
that those who had the proper faith endured. My faith seems so small
when compared to the faith that they expressed. Note what some endured
for their faith: "were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they
might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trials of cruel
mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they
were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the
sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute,
afflicted, tormented." And we feel that we have had difficult and trying
times!
A SAD NOTE
Yet "these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received
not the promise." A sad note is sounded at this junction in the
development of this theme. Was their faith in vain? Had God not
fulfilled His promise? No! They had not yet received the promise! The
promise was not to be found during the time of the Old Covenant, rather
in the New. Almost at the instant the last sad note sounds. the tempo
picks up with the rousing affirmation that the promise is coming. "God
having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should
not be made perfect." Together, saints of old and the new would find
the full promise of God, won for you. Now the tempo stops momentarily,
leaving us breathless as we wait the conclusion.
CONCLUSION
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of
witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so
easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set
before us, looking unto Jesus the author and the finisher of our faith:
who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the
shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
(Hebrews 12: 1,2). With this statement we find the conclusion of this
beautiful movement is salvation's music. The spirit of this portion
ought to lift us up on eagle's wings, and we should soar to new heights
of determination to live our lives faithfully to God, for He is a God of
reward and promise. But, we need to examine this conclusion more
carefully.
MOTIVATED TO ENDURE
Unseen by our fleshly eye, there exists this great cloud of witnesses to
our faith. Examine their faith and their end, and then live
accordingly. We are not without example. Many have been motivated to
endure more and fight longer just because of the faithfulness of one who
lived before them. So, too, Paul says that we have all those just
mentioned and more, who constantly witness before us the benefits of an
acceptable faith. We ought to be moved by such witnesses to put aside
the sins which are weighting us down in our lives - moved to continue
the race until the end, moved to keep our eyes on Him who gives us hope:
Jesus Christ. He is our great example and rewarder. In Christ we can
find the fullness of God's promises.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
After experiencing this spiritual symphony on faith, my own inner being
is lifted up and encouraged. Know this: you are not alone in your
struggle. Others have also experienced the same discouragements and
trials, and they were able to conquer them, being victorious over sin.
They were able to do this only when they viewed their lives beyond the
veil of this world we live in. They realized that this world was not
their home, and that there really is not much in this world that they
desire, except to do the will of their Father. This was the key to
their faith. Their confidence in the HOPE and the proof of God's
faithfulness. They were able to endure until the end and to realize
that only in Christ could their hope be fulfilled.
Will you be found in the number of the faithful? Read Revelation
chapters four and five sometime. Here you can visualize the scene in
Heaven when the victory over sin was won for you. To not be moved by
this description indicates a possible weakness in one's faith. Until
you can gain victory over sin in your life, you cannot expect to lift up
your voice as one of the great multitude in Revelation chapter seven.
Remember, the witnesses have shown us the way to live, our task is to
now so live that we too can be a witness for the life of Christ.
[The preceding beautiful analogy of encouragement Is a reprint of an
article by our late brother Lonnie York which appeared In the March 1987
Issue of the brotherhood paper, The Watchman, which was edited by
brother York and Delmer Lee and was printed and mailed by brother
Charles Everett. Brother York and all others instrumental in furnishing
The Watchman to the brotherhood were involved in a great contribution to
the spiritual well-being of its readers for a number of years. As you
may know, brother Lonnie passed away recently, and we thought a reprint
of this article might help to perpetuate the fond memories we have of
our brother in Christ. -Richard Nichols]
