2016 By Sam Nobles
“…Others were
tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better
resurrection.” (Hebrews 11:35b NKJV)
Hebrews
chapter 11 is filled with those who we would call “Great Heroes of the Faith”.
The entire 11th chapter of Hebrews compiles a list of guys and gals
who experienced God’s miraculous hand in life changing ways. For example,
Abraham and his wife became parents when he was 100 years old. Moses led the
Israelites across the Red Sea when God divided it in half. David defeated a
giant named Goliath with just a stone and a sling. One man named Samson
defeated 1,000 Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey. Truly, these are
amazing exploits of faith.
As I
read down through Hebrews 11 there is one group that catches my eye. There is
one group which seems to possess something about faith that many believers
lack. That one group is called the “others”.
The
“others” were men and women who were tortured and did not experience the
victory on earth like Abraham or David did. The others didn’t see God’s
miraculous hand move upon them like Samson or Moses did. The “others” simply
believed even though they were beaten, martyred, and put in prison without
release or relief. Why? Or better yet how? They endured such agony for a better
resurrection.
For the “others”, better than the miracle of the moment was the hope of
eternal life. For most believers, faith is what you cling to for victory
over adverse circumstances. For “others”, faith is what you cling to for
victory in your circumstances.
Perhaps faith like the “others”
is the best faith of all because it is not based upon having to see anything in
order to strengthen my belief. There are many, including myself, who can boast
in the Lord for healing, mended relationships, divine opportunity, unexpected
finances, etc. Then there are “others” who have not seen those things they have
been praying for, but they still hold on in their faith.
Maybe God desires to do more for
today you than resuscitation. Maybe he wants to ready you for a resurrection…a
better resurrection. God give me faith like the “others”; the ability to see
the big picture of eternity clearer than my momentary afflictions.
Scripture to Claim:
“Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen
Me, you have believed. Blessed are
those who have not seen and yet
have believed." (John 20:29 NKJV)
