Something Better
Opening Prayer
Thank God now for the example of others who have helped you on your journey of faith.
Read HEBREWS 11:32-40
[32] And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, [33] who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, [34] quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. [35] Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. [36] Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. [37] They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated- [38] the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. [39] These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. [40] God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What is the writer urging and why?The people described here may be inspiring examples, but they are very remote from our own experience. What connects us is faith in the same God, a faith which has inspired people down the centuries to live in ordinary and extraordinary times.
We have seen Jesus under fire from the religious authorities as people struggle to see how he fits in with their idea of what God had planned for them. He is not advocating a new religion; he stands in continuity with the faith of their fathers. That same faith has sustained and motivated God’s people from the very beginning. Yet at the same time Jesus has made a real difference. Because of his life, death and resurrection, nothing is the same. In Jesus we have that “something better” (40)—fellowship with God in a new and amazing way. None of these people saw him, but they had faith that God would act.
The point is brought out only at the beginning of the next chapter. “Therefore… let us fix our eyes on Jesus” (12:1,2). These people did not know him as we do, and whatever our life brings, this is the best way to live it.
Apply
Where do you need God to turn your weakness to strength (34)? How do you need to persevere today (36)?
Closing prayer
Lord, strengthen my faith however necessary so that I can stand strong and confidently persevere for You.
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