How Were They Different?

March 18, 2023

It was not that they had more faith; but the fact that they had faith, an active faith

(James 2). Men and women who through faith subdued kingdoms, lived

righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the

violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong,

grew stronger in fight, turned to flight the enemy’s armies. Their women received

their dead back to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance;

that they might obtain a better resurrection (Hebrews 11:35). Others had cruel trials,

mocking and scourings, as well as bonds and imprisonment. Some were stoned,

sawn asunder, tempted with freedom, slain with the sword. They were destitute,

afflicted, ill-treated, without clothing or shelter. The world was unworthy of them as

it is still unworthy of the ‘faithful’. God has provided better for them and us so that

we might be together with him. So let us prepare ourselves for that day and time by

laying aside every weight and sin that hinders our being different and let us, like

them, run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author

and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). He endured and we can do no less, so we

take up our responsibility pursuing the goal, the high calling of Christ Jesus. Our

faith, like His and theirs, must mature into faithful devotion as we grow in the

knowledge of our Lord who sought always to do the will of the Father and not his

own. He endured the onslaught of sinners as we must, and we seeing his example

likewise press on. We have not yet had to bleed or die as he did. We are different

because we remember that our God chastens and disciplines those whom he loves

(Hebrews 12:5-11). So, we must rise above faith and become faithful, repenting and

beginning anew each day as they did. Not giving up or quitting as some have, but

being forever renewed by his Spirit in our spirit and our spirit in him. Thus, we live

and move and have our being. Making like those who have gone on before us the

decision to rise again in newness of life. Our difference being motivated by the

hopelessness that is in every youthful eye as they long for an example that will

inspire them to rise above self.

Kenneth E. Morrison