Sunday, February 2, 2025  

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Today's Scripture
Hebrews 11:8–22

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old — and Sarah herself was barren — because he considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, “as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.”

All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.

By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son, of whom he had been told, “It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named for you.” He considered the fact that God is able even to raise someone from the dead — and figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. By faith Isaac invoked blessings for the future on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, “bowing in worship over the top of his staff.” By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his burial. (NRSV)

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Reflection

“Dad, I’m a person of science, I don’t believe in God,” said twenty-seven-year-old son Luke as my wife and I made plans to attend the Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols service.

“There is just no empirical evidence of God; the world is explained through facts not religious faith,” opined the young aerospace engineer who was baptized, went to Sunday School for years, was confirmed, and is still a church member as far as I know.

Ouch! My wife gives me “the look” and the two of us rush out to the holiday service.

As I reflect on that encounter with Mr. Science, I wish I asked my son these simple questions: Do you love? Do you feel loved? Could God be love?

In this reading from Hebrews, faith is the anchor. Abraham obeys God and sets out, “not knowing where he was going.” His obedience is striking. Abraham leaves behind familiarity, comfort, and certainty, because he trusts God.

For us, the challenge of faith is greater than that of Abraham. We do not hear God’s voice or receive specific instructions. God’s voice frequently seems hidden to us. Yet God calls out to each of us every day.

God speaks to us through love. Sometimes God’s voice is loud — watching a child’s birth, listening to a motivational song, holding a person’s hand, the smell of spring cherry blossoms.

Faith is a choice we make to trust this unseen God. To trust love. And through love, we find the assurance that we are part of God’s eternal story, a story that includes believers and nonbelievers alike.

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Prayer
Dear God, help me to trust you when I cannot see or hear you. Strengthen my faith, and help me love and know I am loved. Amen.

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Written by Phil Calian, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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