The Ancients’ Faith

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen.  For by it the elders obtained a good report.

Hebrews 11:1-2

From Ancient days God has had His people of faith.  Our text defines faith and then refers us to those ancient people.  Following this text we find listed Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and others too numerous to list.  These are the heroes of the faith.  They all looked forward to Christ.  The author of Hebrews declares this when he describes Christ as, ‘the author and finisher of our faith.’  Christ further corroborates the fact that these people of old were anticipating Him when He said, ‘Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it and was glad.’  The faith of these people, is our faith as well.  They had not seen Christ in the flesh, nor have we.  They believed that God is, and that He is the rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.  We believe the same thing.  Their faith and our faith is one faith.  They bore witness to the coming Christ for ‘to Him give all the prophets witness.’  We bear witness to the Christ Who has come and is coming again, according to His word.  We are not ashamed of Him any more than they were.  He is the Once and Future King, the Redeemer of God’s Elect, the Holy One of Israel, the Root and Offspring of David and the Bright and Morning Star.

Our Glorious Living Savior,
we rejoice that Your people have been
able to look to You from ancient days.
We praise You that we have the privilege
of following their example
and looking to You by faith until You come again.

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning