"A Sudden Stop and a Hard Right"

Scripture Passage

Hebrews 11:1-12:29

Scripture Focus

All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us. (Hebrews 11:39-40 NLT)

Observation

Hebrews 11 is commonly known as Scripture’s “Hall of Faith.” It contains name after name of great people of God whom Scripture directly commends for their faith-full-ness. And that is a remarkable commendation, because if the Scriptures celebrate anything at all, they celebrate people of faith.

But there’s a fascinating transition at the end of chapter 11.   In fact, transition is hardly a strong enough word. It’s like the celebration of these people of faith comes to a screeching halt and the Scriptures suddenly take a hard right! “All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised” (Hebrews 11:39 NLT). Hebrews uses the most inclusive language—“all”—to affirm that every person listed is excluded. “None of them received all that God had promised.” And the fascinating thing is why.

For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us. (Hebrews 11:40 NLT)

God’s gracious plan for faith-filled people was not complete until we—those who have, since Christ, placed full trust in Christ—were counted among those of “like precious faith” (2 Peter 1:1 KJV). God wasn’t done until I was included. Wow!

(For what it's worth, the word translated “perfection” in verse 40 has to do with completeness and wholeness.)

That prompts two responses in me. First, I want to honor God, who “loved me and gave himself up for me” (Ephesians 5:2 NIV). How gracious His ways and beyond understanding! Second, I want to make sure I’ve not stopped short of seeing others whom God wants to include.

Scripture is clear: “The Lord is…not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV). I want to remain focused on His call and busy in His work until all He longs to accomplish is complete.

***