21/11/2015 - They have not received…

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These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Hebrews 11.13

The greatest glory to the saved is to die in faith. This accounts for the lives of what we call heroes of faith, who did not deny the Lord, even undergoing difficult trials. For that reason they had their names written in the Holy Book. Those who have been born again should work to remain faithful to the mission they have received. They walked by faith until they were taken to Glory.

Some lived long lives and served the Lord never giving up or losing heart. They were surely waiting for the promises to be fulfilled. Because it did not happen in their days, they have not seen it come true before they died. What is most important is that nothing held them back from the firm faith they had in the hope that one day the Most High would do what He had promised.

Their perseverance serves as a lesson to us because, if for any reason there is any promise that does not come true in our days, we must remain unshakable until the final calling. The most the heroes of faith could have is to see it from afar – feel the goodness that human kind would enjoy when they came to pass. Even though they did not taste the results of what they announced, by faith they fully lived those blessings.

They could not see the promise fulfilled, but they continued to believe in them. Whatever the Lord gives us, even though it has not fully come, is enough to strengthen us. The good is so strong that, if you simply talk about it, it brings us satisfaction. Those who trust in God bring to existence all He has promised.

The heroes of faith gave a great example to all who lived in their days, and for us as well, when they did what other would never have thought of doing: embrace the promises of God as real. The truth is that it takes one word from the Most High for a miracle to happen. Embrace God’s promises believing what they say. In Jesus all will come to pass for those who believe.

These servants of the Lord knew that they still were not citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven but, by faith, they confessed it. This is what it means to live by faith; even though what has been promised us has not come to pass yet, we embrace it and confess it as being certain. Now, those who trust the Lord know that what He as promised will come to pass.

The body may be in pain; the arm cannot be moved, and the legs are heavy, but to those who have received faith and believe, this is solved already. It is not ok to lie. The right thing to do is to bring to existence what God is saying, for, it is by Jesus’ stripes that we have been healed.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares