Our scripture this morning is Hebrews 11:6-8.
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith. By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.
Speaking about our faith is sometimes difficult because it is individual and personal. The author of Hebrews, long considered to be Paul, refers back to Noah and Abraham as examples of faith long before there was an organized Jewish religion. Faith is a relationship with God, a trust that when we follow His commandments we can be part of His eternal plan for us.
The Filament Bible commentary says we have this relationship “not because we have to, but because we get to.” God invites us, just as He did Noah and Abraham, and we must choose to have faith in Him. No one is forced into a relationship with God.
Habakkuk 2:4 tells us “the righteous person will live by his faithfulness”, meaning both our way of living here daily and the promise of life with God through Christ’s sacrifice for us. Paul says “without faith it is impossible to please God”, a warning that we can’t just go our own way and expect to receive the blessing of eternal life with Him. However, “He rewards those who earnestly seek Him”, and we can count on His love and mercy when we live as He intends.
Gracious God, we are sorry for our headstrong ways. Forgive us and bless us to be Your children, called by Your name and going to share Your love with the world. Amen.
