Hebrews 11:39-40
Many of the heroes of faith listed in this passage endured
costly sacrifice, opposition and persecution for their faith, and yet
staggeringly we are reminded in verse thirty nine that ‘none of them received
what had been promised’. Their faith was
an investment on our behalf. Their
investment was in the ‘something better’ of verse 40. This ‘something better’, as we know from the
proceeding chapters of Hebrews, was Jesus, who is described by the writer as
greater than the angels, greater than Moses, greater than any Old Testament
priest, and is the fullness of God, the exact representation of our heavenly
Father.
Much more incredible than the largest earthly inheritance any
relative or friend could bequeath on us, we are now, in fact, enjoying, at
least in part, that ‘something better’ that the great heroes of faith looked
forwards to but never obtained in their lifetime. Jesus, our great high priest, has made the
way for us to enter back into relationship with God the Father, like the prodigal
enjoying his Father’s embrace – today we receive the inheritance of
reconciliation with God, the transforming gift of his Holy Spirit, and the
future hope that Christ will come again to restore and renew, and to reign
forever. What a lot we have to be
thankful for! Take a moment to thank
Jesus for people of faith who have led you to share in this inheritance today,
and to commit yourself to walk by faith in Jesus, regardless of the cost.
(Trinity College student)