Hebrews
11:1–16—Faith; its nature and power are demonstrated by
Abraham and Sarah
We are saved by faith, and the eleventh chapter of
Hebrews is the great chapter of faith in the Bible. First, the author gives us
a good succinct definition of faith: it is the assurance of things hoped for,
the conviction of things not seen. Then, he proceeds to recount some of the
great heroes of faith in the Bible: Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham (who believed
the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness, as we read in the Old
Testament reading), and also Sarah, the wife of Abraham. Let us also add our
own names to this list, for God has, by His Word and Sacrament given us saving
faith and preserved us in it. We, too, who trust in God alone for our
salvation, will spend eternity with those listed here and all who die in the
faith, rejoicing in our Lord forevermore.
The faith theme of Hebrews 11 really begins at 10:38
where it is shown that faith in Hebrews is the same as the faith stressed by
Paul in Romans 1:7; 4:4. Faith is trust in the God who pronounced us righteous
for Christ’s sake. The examples in Hebrews 11 are encouragements and models for
us to let faith have its way in us. Hebrews al is an illustration of what is
taught beginning in 10:39 and continues in 12:1. Faith is defined as the “substance” or “confidence” behind our hope; the “assurance” or “conviction”
of what cannot be seen with the naked eye.
Prayers in times of affliction and distress: Almighty and most merciful God, in this
earthly life we endure sufferings and death before we enter into eternal glory.
Grant us grace at all times to subject ourselves to Your holy will and to
continue steadfast in the true faith to the end of our lives that we may know
the peace and joy of the blessed hope of the resurrection of the dead and of
the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Almighty and
everlasting God, the consolation of the sorrowful and the strength of the weak,
may the prayers of those who in any tribulation or distress cry to You
graciously come before You, so that in every situation they may recognize and
receive Your gracious help, comfort, and peace; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen. [2]
[1] Luther’s Seal, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[2] Prayers in times of affliction and distress, Lutheran Service Book, © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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