Thursday, August 7, 2025  

Today's Scripture
Hebrews 11:29–12:2

By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted to do so they were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had received the spies in peace. And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets — who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented — of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect. Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. (NRSV)

Reflection

Marveling at the wonders of the various heroes of the faith celebrated in many parts of scripture and countless sermons has long been a part of my own faith journey. Now it is my turn, our turn, to be the heroes to those following us. In that context I cannot help but think about the Christians who fought for civil rights in the U.S., those who fought the barbarism of the Third Reich. In both cases, there were Christians who were complicit, even if only through silence, in those atrocities.

The writer of Hebrews proclaims that our ancestors “through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, received promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.” These heroes did not wake up one morning and decide to be remembered as heroes of the faith. No, they first practiced keeping the love and grace of God at the forefront. They looked at the world around them and discerned those things that were out of line with the will of God, incompatible with the Beloved Kingdom. Finally, they took action. To my way of thinking, part of taking action is praying for guidance and listening hard for God’s guidance.

As I look around me in today’s world, I see things that are seriously in need of fixing. I am convinced that all people of faith similarly see things that are not right. This awareness convicts me to do something — to speak up, take action, to try to set an example. How can I make any kind of difference? Alone I cannot, but with the grace of God, along with the fellowship of like-minded fellow believers, we can make a difference.

Prayer

Lord, your love for me is my greatest treasure. Calm my fears, teach me to trust, and strengthen my faith so I know and feel your love, patience, and support. Guide me in using my earthly treasures to work for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Written by Blake Anderson, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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