“What more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
“And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.” [1]
“All these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised.” When the writer speaks of “All these,” he includes multiple heroes of the Faith—Patriarchs, Judges, Kings and Prophets. Thought it may be difficult to relate to them, the heroes of the Faith are not always recognised as mighty at the time they are carrying out their ministry. After the fact, religious people may honour the memory of those blessed individuals who actually did mighty deeds in the Name of the Master.
You will recall that Jesus sternly censured the religious leaders of His day when He said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, saying ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ Thus you witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets” [MATTHEW 23:29-31]. Distance from the service rendered permits a more reasoned assessment of the labour provided.
Humbling though it is, we are compelled to confess that we are fallen creatures. Consequently, the most powerful of saints, the most conscientious servant of the Living God, the most blessed among the servants of God, will inevitably be discovered at last to be but a mortal. Though an individual may appear to have succeeded admirably in the cause of Christ, that one is nevertheless susceptible to error and will have exhibited foibles that did not honour Him whom we call Master.
This the unspoken message behind Jesus’ words spoken to His disciples on one occasion. “Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty’” [LUKE 17:7-10]. Focus on the appropriate response given by a servant. “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.”
No one among us has anything of which he or she may boast. We acknowledge that we are recipients of divine grace. If a church is recognised for advancing the Kingdom of God, it will have done so by God’s grace. If a congregation appears to be on the decline, they have nevertheless benefitted from God’s grace. It is only when we attempt to impose human reckoning on the work to which we are called that we begin to think more highly of ourselves than we should. When we adopt God’s view of matters, we realise that He has worked through multiple individuals over time to accomplish His divine plan. No man can claim to have accomplished anything through his effort—it is all of grace.
I urge the people of God to see that they have a vital part in the continuum of the Faith. We stand in a lineage stretching back to the earliest days of the Gospel and continuing forward until that glorious day when the Master shall return. Some will have ultimately been recognised for great accomplishment in the work of the Kingdom. Others will have lived without recognition, nor will they be long remembered by those who follow in the Faith. What is essential is that each has served faithfully, fulfilling the tasks assigned by the Master. We see this truth in the text before us today.
GOD’S CRITERION FOR COMMENDATION — “All these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.” It is not wise to attempt to judge what is accomplished by those who serve the Master. Paul warns Christians, “Who are you to pass judgement on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand” [ROMANS 14:4].
Let me be practical, addressing those who hear the message today. The writer listed men and women who were clearly great in the sight of God. Review those stalwarts of the Faith. The writer begins with Abel [HEBREWS 11:4]. Though we don’t often think of him as one of the stalwarts, he stood for God, offering what the writer calls a “more acceptable sacrifice” than that offered by his brother. His offering was, in the sight of this writer, a bold stance for righteousness with a lasting impact.
The writer continues by naming Enoch, who was spared death, having walked with God [HEBREWS 11:5]. Again, this man is commended for his faith. We then recall Noah, remembering his act of faith witnessed in building an ark [HEBREWS 11:7]. He faithfully preached, warning his generation of pending judgement. No one would have spoken of Noah as successful in his ministry of preaching! In one hundred twenty years, Noah had but seven converts—his wife, his three sons and their wives [see GENESIS 7:13; 2 PETER 2:5]; and one of those converts proved to be less than godly [see GENESIS 9:22-25]!
The writer then turns to Abraham and Sarah. Abraham followed the call of God, but not perfectly; and Sarah had a difficult time believing God’s promise [HEBREWS 11:8-12, 17-19]. The writer does not gloss over Abraham’s failures, remembering instead that he has become the father of the faithful. Just so, our failures will be many; but our successes will be what are remembered before God. Thus, the writer comments, “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city” [HEBREWS 11:13-16].
The writer continues by recalling Isaac, Jacob and Joseph [HEBREWS 11:20-22] before turning attention to Moses [HEBREWS 11:23-28]. Each of these was denoted for his faith, and not for his failures. Their failures were many and the results transient; their faith produced permanent results that would bless the people of God and glorify the Lord their God. Though it isn’t at all evident at the time, Moses is denoted as one who “endured as seeing Him who is invisible” [HEBREWS 11:27].
The writer then turns the readers’ attention to the impact arising from the faith of this one man. Moses stood almost alone in turning a nation of malcontents and slaves into a nation for the glory of God. Following him, numerous individuals who are essentially incidental to the history of the faithful participate in advancing the cause of righteousness. So, the writer pens, “By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies” [HEBREWS 11:29-31].
We read these accounts thinking that Moses was the one showing faith in leading the people across the Red Sea! However, under the guidance of the Spirit of God, the writer says that the people who crossed were the ones exercising faith. Again, it was the faith of all those marching around Jericho who brought down the walls.
At last, we come to the verses that are the focus of our study today. “What more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth” [HEBREWS 11:32-38].
The writer names a few minor participants before naming David and Samuel. We may be confused that this writer would ask us to consider Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah in the same league as David and Samuel; our inclination is to shout out, “There’s no comparison.” Then, he simply invites us to think of “the prophets” before speaking of events, many of which are relatively minor to the greater story of the Faith. None of the events listed were minor to those who endured those experiences, however. Being tortured, enduring restrictions, suffering mocking and flogging or even being chained or imprisoned are not minor events for those experiencing those dreadful deeds. Perhaps some of us can relate to being deprived of comforts, though I doubt that any of us have ever been compelled to wander about in skins of sheep and goats. Neither can many of us speak with authority of being destitute, afflicted or mistreated. Yet, such exploits are presented as evidence of faith in the lives of those for whom these experiences were real.
Few of us have ever conquered kingdoms, though we struggle to conquer our own lives. We are not often called to be mighty in war, though we engage in spiritual warfare as we pray for God’s glory and for the good of His people. We may not have put enemies to flight, but we have no idea of how many enemies of God have been rebuked by righteous lives and the testimony of grace. These is a truth here that we dare not ignore.
When we consider the whole of this chapter, a truth unfolds before our eyes. God knows that those named in this chapter had failures in their lives—significant failures! Yet, it is not the failures that are remembered before God—it is our walk of faith. We will not have our losses thrown into our faces throughout eternity; we will rejoice in all that has glorified the Lord Christ.
Let me show you that truth by referring to one of the earliest letters from the pen of the Apostle to have been included in the canon of Scripture. “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.
“This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ” [2 THESSALONIANS 1:3-12].
Walk back through the Apostle’s words, noting what shall be. Remember, he is writing a congregation that is tiny, a church that is hard-pressed by the society in which they served. Despite the opposition they were experiencing, Paul noted that their faith was growing! Not only was their faith growing, but they were growing in love for one another. The growth in faith and love was sufficient to bring the Apostle to the point of boasting about them to the churches as he served the Lord Christ. Such growth is always worthy of commendation!
Take especial note that their suffering, despite the service that many would have considered insignificant, will result in honour and glory. When Jesus comes—you do believe that our Master is coming again! When Jesus comes to receive His own people, He will be glorified in His saints and marvelled at among all who have believed. That in itself is great encouragement. However, the Apostle continues by noting that through faithful service, regardless of how insignificant the world may deem that service, Christ will be glorified in them and they will be glorified in Him. This is all of grace. Now apply this truth to our own service. Regardless of the estimate of those about us—whether the lost, whether false brothers, whether weaker brothers, whether untaught brothers—we who are faithful in our service to the Master will be glorified in Him and He will be glorified in us!
The criterion for the divine assessment of our labour is whether we are commended through our faith. What is important is whether we have stayed at the work; the important issue is not whether we have met the standard of this dying world. How long did the deliverance of Gideon last? How permanent was the deliverance that Barak wrought (though it was actually Deborah who served as Judge and Jael who slew Sisera)? Jephthah’s service was marred by a glaring lack of character. Yet, God used each of these individuals to bring glory to His Name and to move Israel closer to the day when the Anointed One would come to deliver all who looked to Him in faith.
GOD’S TIMING FOR CONFERRING HONOUR — “All these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.” It is human nature to want recognition in timely manner. However, what is timely in light of eternity and what we consider timely seldom intersect—the concepts may not even approach asymptotically.
I would not encourage any among us to ignore speaking words of commendation to one another. We need to build one another, encourage one another, strengthen one another. That is the purpose for the ministries we have received. Instructing the saints in Corinth concerning the gifts distributed by the Spirit of God, Paul affirms, “The one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation” [1 CORINTHIANS 14:3]. This threefold ministry is the expected outgrowth of serving together as the community of faith.
To the Thessalonian Christians, the Apostle sought to turn their attention from this moment called “Now” to what will shortly be revealed to us. Thus, he wrote, “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” Then, with spiritual wisdom born of obedience to the Lord who gives us His Word, Paul wrote, “Therefore encourage one another with these words” [1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-18].
To ensure that we understand that this is the essential outgrowth of our service together, recall that the Apostle concluded his first missive to these saints by reminding them of their work in the midst of a dark and dreary world. Paul wrote, “Concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, ‘There is peace and security,’ then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” [1 THESSALONIANS 5:1-11].
This is the reason I insist to the people of God that we must cease living as the world does, demanding fealty to our petty ideas, demanding that others bend to our will, demanding that the church be treated as a private fiefdom; rather, we are responsible to build one another in this most holy faith, encourage one another and comfort one another. This is the import of the closing words of the Second Letter to the Corinthian Christians, “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you” [2 CORINTHIANS 13:11].
I have said these things to encourage each of us always to encourage our fellow believers. Take note of the work performed to make the facilities comfortable; we who worship here are the beneficiaries. Speak a word of gratitude for the service we have received. Take note of the labours of those who have preceded us in this place, giving thanks for their service. By their ministry, they laid a foundation for what is done today, and we are the beneficiaries. So many acts are performed that are taken for granted during any given week. Combined, all these little acts ensure that we worship without distraction and those who join us are able to focus on the important work of building the believers. Think of the provision of music, the preparation of coffee and tea, cleaning the facilities, clearing the snow, printing the bulletin, decorating the auditorium where we meet, caring for routine maintenance, and the list could continue. What is essential is to recognise that others have willingly accepted responsibility to do these tasks so that we can together engage in the great work of worshipping the Risen Saviour.
However, should no one ever take note of your labours, remember that you are performing your work to the glory of God and not for the accolade of man. Remember the admonition, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” [COLOSSIANS 3:23, 24].
Though the context in the next passage speaks of service rendered by bondservants, the words apply to each of us in our service to God. Paul admonishes, “Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free” [EPHESIANS 6:5-8].
Each Christian can anticipate recognition at the Master’s return. None will be overlooked, none will be forgotten. We have this promise, “If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward” [1 CORINTHIANS 3:14]. The foundation in question is Jesus Christ. If you seek His glory, if you strive to honour Him, if you endeavour to advance His cause, He will remember you. If will not be a case of others being acknowledged while you are ignored. Together all the saints of God will be rewarded at His return. Surely this is the intent of the Apostle’s teaching when he writes, “Each will receive his wages according to his labour” [1 CORINTHIANS 3:8b].
As the Revelator concluded writing the Apocalypse, the angel with whom he spoke admonished him, “‘Do not seal up the words of the prophecy contained in this book, because the time is near. The evildoer must continue to do evil, and the one who is morally filthy must continue to be filthy. The one who is righteous must continue to act righteously, and the one who is holy must continue to be holy.’
“(Look! I am coming soon,
and my reward is with me to pay each one according to what he has done!” [2]
[REVELATION 22:10-12]
In the days of the Great Tribulation, as God pours out His judgements, the saints assembled in Heaven are seen worshipping; and as they worship they are saying,
“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,
who is and who was,
for you have taken your great power
and begun to reign.
The nations raged,
but your wrath came,
and the time for the dead to be judged,
and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints,
and those who fear your name,
both small and great,
and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.”
[REVELATION 11:17, 18]
Note that before the throne of the True and Living God the redeemed are worshipping because it means that He now is rewarding His servants. Knowing that God is faithful, that He will do what He says He will do, causes great joy. When we are translated into the presence of our God, we shall witness the fulfilment of His promise to reward His servants! His servants include the prophets and saints, just as we would anticipate. But notice that His servants also include “Those who fear [His] Name, both small and great!” Only together are all the redeemed rewarded. There are no inferior saints before the throne of God!
I have often thought of these things. We sometimes are inclined to say that those who have preceded us in the Faith are enjoying their rewards while we must look to a point in the future. I’m not so certain about that. Throughout the Word is the constant refrain that only together are the people of God rewarded. The emphasis is upon equality, none gaining precedence over others. Whatever can that mean?
I consider that as I enter into the presence of my King, I shall be able to look to my left and see Paul, and Timothy, and Luke together with a great host of saints entering into eternity at the same moment that I am entering. Looking to my right, I shall see others who are now serving the Master, saints who have diligently longed for His return while faithfully serving. Surveying this vast throng, I shall see my beloved granddad who faithfully declared the Word of God in small communities throughout the lead mining regions of my natal state. Entering into glory with all the saints I shall see my dad who stood firm in his faith, beating out a rhythm as he sharpened ploughshares while singing the great hymns of the Faith. Together, we shall be gathered to the Master; and together we shall receive the promised rewards. What else can the words of our text mean other than this? Note that the Spirit of God clearly says of what shall be, “Apart from us they should not be made perfect?”
GOD’S PURPOSE IN HONOURING HIS FAITHFUL ONES — “All these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.” God inhabits eternity; and though we are being fitted for eternity, we are for this moment bounded by time. We measure our lives by the transit of the planets through the heavens, calculating the number of circuits about the sun we have endured. We speak of a birthday, knowing that we are moving inexorably toward a final date that will be etched on our tombstone. Yet, from the time we came to faith in the Living Son of God, we have experienced a continual transformation as we prepare for eternity.
At last we shall be gathered together with all the redeemed of God; there, we will receive “something better,” that which is so wonderful that only when all the redeemed have at last been gathered together shall it be revealed. Can we discover what that “something better” is? Is it possible to learn now what God has provided for those who love Him?
When I look back in this chapter, I note that Enoch walked with God, providing encouragement to all people that God “rewards those who seek Him” [HEBREWS 11:6b]. This is the first hint of what is coming for God’s holy people. Then, I read of Abraham and what he anticipated. The writer states, “He was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God” [HEBREWS 11:10].
Abraham looked for a heavenly city—the city of God. However, it was greater than a mere city, for all these looked for a homeland. This is what is stated when the writer says, “These all died in faith without receiving the things promised, but they saw them in the distance and welcomed them and acknowledged that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth. For those who speak in such a way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. In fact, if they had been thinking of the land that they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they aspire to a better land, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them” [HEBREWS 11:13-16].
We are coming nearer to understanding what the “something better” that is promised is. That which God has promised to give to those who love Him is so great that is enables His saints to conquer kingdoms, enforce justice, obtain promises, stop the mouths of lions, quench the power of fire, escape the edge of the sword, create strength out of weakness, become mighty in war and put foreign armies to flight! Indeed, those who anticipate God’s reward are enabled to endure unthinkable evil. Such saints are of such character that “the world is not worthy.”
I need only read a little further and I discover how to bring together all the threads that have hinted at what God is providing. HEBREWS 12:18-29 is somewhat extended, but it reveals the “something better” that God has planned. “You have not come to something that can be touched, to a burning fire and darkness and gloom and a whirlwind and the blast of a trumpet and a voice uttering words such that those who heard begged to hear no more. For they could not bear what was commanded: ‘If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.’ In fact, the scene was so terrifying that Moses said, ‘I shudder with fear.’ But you have come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the assembly and congregation of the firstborn, who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous, who have been made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks of something better than Abel’s does.
“Take care not to refuse the one who is speaking! For if they did not escape when they refused the one who warned them on earth, how much less shall we, if we reject the one who warns from heaven? Then his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, ‘I will once more shake not only the earth but heaven too.’ Now this phrase ‘once more’ indicates the removal of what is shaken, that is, of created things, so that what is unshaken may remain. So since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us give thanks, and through this let us offer worship pleasing to God in devotion and awe. For our God is indeed a devouring fire.”
“Something better” that God has planned for all the redeemed saints is Mount Zion, the City of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. There, the redeemed will witness myriads of angels, the assembly and congregation of the firstborn, for at last all the redeemed of all the ages shall be gather before the throne of the Lord God. The best part of “something better,” is that we will have come to “God, the Judge of all … and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant.”
The appropriate response of those who are receiving such a gift is to give thanks, thus offering worship pleasing to God in devotion and awe. Before God, when we realise what He has planned for us, we worship. How tragically incomprehensible are our puerile efforts to worship now. For many of us, worship consists of a liturgy that can be stupefying, trance inducing, so familiar that we move through the motions without thought. However, the writer informs us that “Our God is a consuming fire!”
Worshippers coming into the presence of the Living God are expected to engage Him who causes us to burn with passion. Honestly, when did we last burn with passion? When did we last come into the house of God, so filled with expectation that we knew that when we met Him in worship it would be as though we spontaneously burst into flame? This is the expectation that grabs the heart of the true worshipper of the Living God. Why does the prospect of eternal worship induce a somnolent state in those that hear of such a thing? Is it not because we have never truly worshipped? For had we worshipped—truly worshipped—our hearts would burn within us and we would be lost in the joy of His presence.
I am struck by the response of two disciples who met the Risen Christ. They were not expecting His presence, but He graciously joined them as they walked toward the tiny village of Emmaus. They were downcast, consumed with an air of grief and consternation. The One whom they had followed had been seized by the religious leaders and had at last been crucified. Just this morning, some women whom they knew and respected had gone to the tomb hoping to attend to His body. They had rushed back to where the men were gloomily gathered in a darkened room, with a wild report that the tomb in which their beloved leader was buried was empty. When some of the group had rushed to the tomb to verify the report, they had indeed found the tomb empty! How could they explain such events?
As these two walked, heads downcast and speaking softly, a silent traveller matched their pace, walking beside them. He inquired what they were discussing. Surely, the man who had joined them was a stranger to the area, so they began to speak about all that had taken place. Having unburdened their hearts, the stranger responded with a gentle rebuke. He had listened to their sad recitation of events; but now He turned their attention to the Scriptures. “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken” He began! “Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory” [LUKE 24:25, 26]? Then, beginning with the writings of Moses the stranger began deliberately to lead them through the Scriptures, demonstrating the Messiah on every page.
The two travellers were so moved by this explanation of the Scriptures and since the day was almost spent they invited the wayfarer to spend the night. He consented to their request and entered into the house. The two men gathered the foodstuff for a humble meal. The stranger, now their guest, took the bread, blessed it and broke it. When He did this, their eyes were opened, their understanding was excited and they realised that Jesus had been walking with them throughout the journey. As suddenly as they realised who He was He was taken from their sight. The men began to speak excitedly to one another, “Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the Scriptures” [LUKE 24:13-32]?
If there is no anticipation in our worship, it is because we are not expecting the presence of the Master! If when we have moved through our liturgies there is no burning love moving us, it is because we have not worshipped! For when we worship, we meet the Risen Son of God; and we cannot help but be moved with joy and excitement when we meet Him. Worship touches the heart of the worshipper causing that one to be lost in admiration, marvelling at the grace and glory of the One worshipped and rejoicing in the knowledge of His acceptance!
Worship, when we are gathered before His throne with all the redeemed of the ages, shall move us in a manner that we have only glimpsed briefly and transiently in this life! Because our God is infinite in grace and glory, we will never plumb the depths of love, of grace, of power, of might, of majesty! We will never exhaust the experience of discovery of God when we worship in Heaven. Worship, for the believer, will be eternally fulfilling, stimulating each of us in ways that cannot be imagined now. At last, the purpose in the honour God shall confer on His beloved saints is that we may enjoy Him forever. God has given us life, liberty and access to His throne. He has given us an eternal home. Ultimately, He gives us His very self.
I weep when I think of those who delude themselves. They live without thought of God, or perhaps they perform sterile rites with boring monotony as though it will assure them a place in the presence of the True and Living God. On the authority of God’s Word, I insist that only those who are born from above shall ever see God. How dreadful is the warning Jesus spoke. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven - only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day, many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons and do many powerful deeds?’ Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you. Go away from me, you lawbreakers’” [MATTHEW 7:21-23].
There is life in Him. He gave His life as a sacrifice because of your weakened condition. He offers you the forgiveness of sin, life and freedom to be all that you were created to be. Believe this message and receive the gift of life that is found only in Him. Do it now. Amen.
[1]“What more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
“And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.”
“A
ll these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised.” When the writer speaks of “All these,” he includes multiple heroes of the Faith—Patriarchs, Judges, Kings and Prophets. Thought it may be difficult to relate to them, the heroes of the Faith are not always recognised as mighty at the time they are carrying out their ministry. After the fact, religious people may honour the memory of those blessed individuals who actually did mighty deeds in the Name of the Master.
You will recall that Jesus sternly censured the religious leaders of His day when He said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, saying ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ Thus you witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets” [MATTHEW 23:29-31]. Distance from the service rendered permits a more reasoned assessment of the labour provided.
Humbling though it is, we are compelled to confess that we are fallen creatures. Consequently, the most powerful of saints, the most conscientious servant of the Living God, the most blessed among the servants of God, will inevitably be discovered at last to be but a mortal. Though an individual may appear to have succeeded admirably in the cause of Christ, that one is nevertheless susceptible to error and will have exhibited foibles that did not honour Him whom we call Master.
This the unspoken message behind Jesus’ words spoken to His disciples on one occasion. “Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty’” [LUKE 17:7-10]. Focus on the appropriate response given by a servant. “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.”
No one among us has anything of which he or she may boast. We acknowledge that we are recipients of divine grace. If a church is recognised for advancing the Kingdom of God, it will have done so by God’s grace. If a congregation appears to be on the decline, they have nevertheless benefitted from God’s grace. It is only when we attempt to impose human reckoning on the work to which we are called that we begin to think more highly of ourselves than we should. When we adopt God’s view of matters, we realise that He has worked through multiple individuals over time to accomplish His divine plan. No man can claim to have accomplished anything through his effort—it is all of grace.
I urge the people of God to see that they have a vital part in the continuum of the Faith. We stand in a lineage stretching back to the earliest days of the Gospel and continuing forward until that glorious day when the Master shall return. Some will have ultimately been recognised for great accomplishment in the work of the Kingdom. Others will have lived without recognition, nor will they be long remembered by those who follow in the Faith. What is essential is that each has served faithfully, fulfilling the tasks assigned by the Master. We see this truth in the text before us today.
GOD’S CRITERION FOR COMMENDATION — “All these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.” It is not wise to attempt to judge what is accomplished by those who serve the Master. Paul warns Christians, “Who are you to pass judgement on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand” [ROMANS 14:4].
Let me be practical, addressing those who hear the message today. The writer listed men and women who were clearly great in the sight of God. Review those stalwarts of the Faith. The writer begins with Abel [HEBREWS 11:4]. Though we don’t often think of him as one of the stalwarts, he stood for God, offering what the writer calls a “more acceptable sacrifice” than that offered by his brother. His offering was, in the sight of this writer, a bold stance for righteousness with a lasting impact.
The writer continues by naming Enoch, who was spared death, having walked with God [HEBREWS 11:5]. Again, this man is commended for his faith. We then recall Noah, remembering his act of faith witnessed in building an ark [HEBREWS 11:7]. He faithfully preached, warning his generation of pending judgement. No one would have spoken of Noah as successful in his ministry of preaching! In one hundred twenty years, Noah had but seven converts—his wife, his three sons and their wives [see GENESIS 7:13; 2 PETER 2:5]; and one of those converts proved to be less than godly [see GENESIS 9:22-25]!
The writer then turns to Abraham and Sarah. Abraham followed the call of God, but not perfectly; and Sarah had a difficult time believing God’s promise [HEBREWS 11:8-12, 17-19]. The writer does not gloss over Abraham’s failures, remembering instead that he has become the father of the faithful. Just so, our failures will be many; but our successes will be what are remembered before God. Thus, the writer comments, “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city” [HEBREWS 11:13-16].
The writer continues by recalling Isaac, Jacob and Joseph [HEBREWS 11:20-22] before turning attention to Moses [HEBREWS 11:23-28]. Each of these was denoted for his faith, and not for his failures. Their failures were many and the results transient; their faith produced permanent results that would bless the people of God and glorify the Lord their God. Though it isn’t at all evident at the time, Moses is denoted as one who “endured as seeing Him who is invisible” [HEBREWS 11:27].
The writer then turns the readers’ attention to the impact arising from the faith of this one man. Moses stood almost alone in turning a nation of malcontents and slaves into a nation for the glory of God. Following him, numerous individuals who are essentially incidental to the history of the faithful participate in advancing the cause of righteousness. So, the writer pens, “By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies” [HEBREWS 11:29-31].
We read these accounts thinking that Moses was the one showing faith in leading the people across the Red Sea! However, under the guidance of the Spirit of God, the writer says that the people who crossed were the ones exercising faith. Again, it was the faith of all those marching around Jericho who brought down the walls.
At last, we come to the verses that are the focus of our study today. “What more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth” [HEBREWS 11:32-38].
The writer names a few minor participants before naming David and Samuel. We may be confused that this writer would ask us to consider Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah in the same league as David and Samuel; our inclination is to shout out, “There’s no comparison.” Then, he simply invites us to think of “the prophets” before speaking of events, many of which are relatively minor to the greater story of the Faith. None of the events listed were minor to those who endured those experiences, however. Being tortured, enduring restrictions, suffering mocking and flogging or even being chained or imprisoned are not minor events for those experiencing those dreadful deeds. Perhaps some of us can relate to being deprived of comforts, though I doubt that any of us have ever been compelled to wander about in skins of sheep and goats. Neither can many of us speak with authority of being destitute, afflicted or mistreated. Yet, such exploits are presented as evidence of faith in the lives of those for whom these experiences were real.
Few of us have ever conquered kingdoms, though we struggle to conquer our own lives. We are not often called to be mighty in war, though we engage in spiritual warfare as we pray for God’s glory and for the good of His people. We may not have put enemies to flight, but we have no idea of how many enemies of God have been rebuked by righteous lives and the testimony of grace. These is a truth here that we dare not ignore.
When we consider the whole of this chapter, a truth unfolds before our eyes. God knows that those named in this chapter had failures in their lives—significant failures! Yet, it is not the failures that are remembered before God—it is our walk of faith. We will not have our losses thrown into our faces throughout eternity; we will rejoice in all that has glorified the Lord Christ.
Let me show you that truth by referring to one of the earliest letters from the pen of the Apostle to have been included in the canon of Scripture. “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.
“This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ” [2 THESSALONIANS 1:3-12].
Walk back through the Apostle’s words, noting what shall be. Remember, he is writing a congregation that is tiny, a church that is hard-pressed by the society in which they served. Despite the opposition they were experiencing, Paul noted that their faith was growing! Not only was their faith growing, but they were growing in love for one another. The growth in faith and love was sufficient to bring the Apostle to the point of boasting about them to the churches as he served the Lord Christ. Such growth is always worthy of commendation!
Take especial note that their suffering, despite the service that many would have considered insignificant, will result in honour and glory. When Jesus comes—you do believe that our Master is coming again! When Jesus comes to receive His own people, He will be glorified in His saints and marvelled at among all who have believed. That in itself is great encouragement. However, the Apostle continues by noting that through faithful service, regardless of how insignificant the world may deem that service, Christ will be glorified in them and they will be glorified in Him. This is all of grace. Now apply this truth to our own service. Regardless of the estimate of those about us—whether the lost, whether false brothers, whether weaker brothers, whether untaught brothers—we who are faithful in our service to the Master will be glorified in Him and He will be glorified in us!
The criterion for the divine assessment of our labour is whether we are commended through our faith. What is important is whether we have stayed at the work; the important issue is not whether we have met the standard of this dying world. How long did the deliverance of Gideon last? How permanent was the deliverance that Barak wrought (though it was actually Deborah who served as Judge and Jael who slew Sisera)? Jephthah’s service was marred by a glaring lack of character. Yet, God used each of these individuals to bring glory to His Name and to move Israel closer to the day when the Anointed One would come to deliver all who looked to Him in faith.
GOD’S TIMING FOR CONFERRING HONOUR — “All these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.” It is human nature to want recognition in timely manner. However, what is timely in light of eternity and what we consider timely seldom intersect—the concepts may not even approach asymptotically.
I would not encourage any among us to ignore speaking words of commendation to one another. We need to build one another, encourage one another, strengthen one another. That is the purpose for the ministries we have received. Instructing the saints in Corinth concerning the gifts distributed by the Spirit of God, Paul affirms, “The one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation” [1 CORINTHIANS 14:3]. This threefold ministry is the expected outgrowth of serving together as the community of faith.
To the Thessalonian Christians, the Apostle sought to turn their attention from this moment called “Now” to what will shortly be revealed to us. Thus, he wrote, “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” Then, with spiritual wisdom born of obedience to the Lord who gives us His Word, Paul wrote, “Therefore encourage one another with these words” [1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-18].
To ensure that we understand that this is the essential outgrowth of our service together, recall that the Apostle concluded his first missive to these saints by reminding them of their work in the midst of a dark and dreary world. Paul wrote, “Concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, ‘There is peace and security,’ then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” [1 THESSALONIANS 5:1-11].
This is the reason I insist to the people of God that we must cease living as the world does, demanding fealty to our petty ideas, demanding that others bend to our will, demanding that the church be treated as a private fiefdom; rather, we are responsible to build one another in this most holy faith, encourage one another and comfort one another. This is the import of the closing words of the Second Letter to the Corinthian Christians, “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you” [2 CORINTHIANS 13:11].
I have said these things to encourage each of us always to encourage our fellow believers. Take note of the work performed to make the facilities comfortable; we who worship here are the beneficiaries. Speak a word of gratitude for the service we have received. Take note of the labours of those who have preceded us in this place, giving thanks for their service. By their ministry, they laid a foundation for what is done today, and we are the beneficiaries. So many acts are performed that are taken for granted during any given week. Combined, all these little acts ensure that we worship without distraction and those who join us are able to focus on the important work of building the believers. Think of the provision of music, the preparation of coffee and tea, cleaning the facilities, clearing the snow, printing the bulletin, decorating the auditorium where we meet, caring for routine maintenance, and the list could continue. What is essential is to recognise that others have willingly accepted responsibility to do these tasks so that we can together engage in the great work of worshipping the Risen Saviour.
However, should no one ever take note of your labours, remember that you are performing your work to the glory of God and not for the accolade of man. Remember the admonition, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” [COLOSSIANS 3:23, 24].
Though the context in the next passage speaks of service rendered by bondservants, the words apply to each of us in our service to God. Paul admonishes, “Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free” [EPHESIANS 6:5-8].
Each Christian can anticipate recognition at the Master’s return. None will be overlooked, none will be forgotten. We have this promise, “If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward” [1 CORINTHIANS 3:14]. The foundation in question is Jesus Christ. If you seek His glory, if you strive to honour Him, if you endeavour to advance His cause, He will remember you. If will not be a case of others being acknowledged while you are ignored. Together all the saints of God will be rewarded at His return. Surely this is the intent of the Apostle’s teaching when he writes, “Each will receive his wages according to his labour” [1 CORINTHIANS 3:8b].
As the Revelator concluded writing the Apocalypse, the angel with whom he spoke admonished him, “‘Do not seal up the words of the prophecy contained in this book, because the time is near. The evildoer must continue to do evil, and the one who is morally filthy must continue to be filthy. The one who is righteous must continue to act righteously, and the one who is holy must continue to be holy.’
“(Look! I am coming soon,
and my reward is with me to pay each one according to what he has done!”
[REVELATION 22:10-12]
In the days of the Great Tribulation, as God pours out His judgements, the saints assembled in Heaven are seen worshipping; and as they worship they are saying,
“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,
who is and who was,
for you have taken your great power
and begun to reign.
The nations raged,
but your wrath came,
and the time for the dead to be judged,
and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints,
and those who fear your name,
both small and great,
and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.”
[REVELATION 11:17, 18]
Note that before the throne of the True and Living God the redeemed are worshipping because it means that He now is rewarding His servants. Knowing that God is faithful, that He will do what He says He will do, causes great joy. When we are translated into the presence of our God, we shall witness the fulfilment of His promise to reward His servants! His servants include the prophets and saints, just as we would anticipate. But notice that His servants also include “Those who fear [His] Name, both small and great!” Only together are all the redeemed rewarded. There are no inferior saints before the throne of God!
I have often thought of these things. We sometimes are inclined to say that those who have preceded us in the Faith are enjoying their rewards while we must look to a point in the future. I’m not so certain about that. Throughout the Word is the constant refrain that only together are the people of God rewarded. The emphasis is upon equality, none gaining precedence over others. Whatever can that mean?
I consider that as I enter into the presence of my King, I shall be able to look to my left and see Paul, and Timothy, and Luke together with a great host of saints entering into eternity at the same moment that I am entering. Looking to my right, I shall see others who are now serving the Master, saints who have diligently longed for His return while faithfully serving. Surveying this vast throng, I shall see my beloved granddad who faithfully declared the Word of God in small communities throughout the lead mining regions of my natal state. Entering into glory with all the saints I shall see my dad who stood firm in his faith, beating out a rhythm as he sharpened ploughshares while singing the great hymns of the Faith. Together, we shall be gathered to the Master; and together we shall receive the promised rewards. What else can the words of our text mean other than this? Note that the Spirit of God clearly says of what shall be, “Apart from us they should not be made perfect?”
GOD’S PURPOSE IN HONOURING HIS FAITHFUL ONES — “All these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.” God inhabits eternity; and though we are being fitted for eternity, we are for this moment bounded by time. We measure our lives by the transit of the planets through the heavens, calculating the number of circuits about the sun we have endured. We speak of a birthday, knowing that we are moving inexorably toward a final date that will be etched on our tombstone. Yet, from the time we came to faith in the Living Son of God, we have experienced a continual transformation as we prepare for eternity.
At last we shall be gathered together with all the redeemed of God; there, we will receive “something better,” that which is so wonderful that only when all the redeemed have at last been gathered together shall it be revealed. Can we discover what that “something better” is? Is it possible to learn now what God has provided for those who love Him?
When I look back in this chapter, I note that Enoch walked with God, providing encouragement to all people that God “rewards those who seek Him” [HEBREWS 11:6b]. This is the first hint of what is coming for God’s holy people. Then, I read of Abraham and what he anticipated. The writer states, “He was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God” [HEBREWS 11:10].
Abraham looked for a heavenly city—the city of God. However, it was greater than a mere city, for all these looked for a homeland. This is what is stated when the writer says, “These all died in faith without receiving the things promised, but they saw them in the distance and welcomed them and acknowledged that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth. For those who speak in such a way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. In fact, if they had been thinking of the land that they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they aspire to a better land, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them” [HEBREWS 11:13-16].
We are coming nearer to understanding what the “something better” that is promised is. That which God has promised to give to those who love Him is so great that is enables His saints to conquer kingdoms, enforce justice, obtain promises, stop the mouths of lions, quench the power of fire, escape the edge of the sword, create strength out of weakness, become mighty in war and put foreign armies to flight! Indeed, those who anticipate God’s reward are enabled to endure unthinkable evil. Such saints are of such character that “the world is not worthy.”
I need only read a little further and I discover how to bring together all the threads that have hinted at what God is providing. HEBREWS 12:18-29 is somewhat extended, but it reveals the “something better” that God has planned. “You have not come to something that can be touched, to a burning fire and darkness and gloom and a whirlwind and the blast of a trumpet and a voice uttering words such that those who heard begged to hear no more. For they could not bear what was commanded: ‘If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.’ In fact, the scene was so terrifying that Moses said, ‘I shudder with fear.’ But you have come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the assembly and congregation of the firstborn, who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous, who have been made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks of something better than Abel’s does.
“Take care not to refuse the one who is speaking! For if they did not escape when they refused the one who warned them on earth, how much less shall we, if we reject the one who warns from heaven? Then his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, ‘I will once more shake not only the earth but heaven too.’ Now this phrase ‘once more’ indicates the removal of what is shaken, that is, of created things, so that what is unshaken may remain. So since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us give thanks, and through this let us offer worship pleasing to God in devotion and awe. For our God is indeed a devouring fire.”
“Something better” that God has planned for all the redeemed saints is Mount Zion, the City of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. There, the redeemed will witness myriads of angels, the assembly and congregation of the firstborn, for at last all the redeemed of all the ages shall be gather before the throne of the Lord God. The best part of “something better,” is that we will have come to “God, the Judge of all … and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant.”
The appropriate response of those who are receiving such a gift is to give thanks, thus offering worship pleasing to God in devotion and awe. Before God, when we realise what He has planned for us, we worship. How tragically incomprehensible are our puerile efforts to worship now. For many of us, worship consists of a liturgy that can be stupefying, trance inducing, so familiar that we move through the motions without thought. However, the writer informs us that “Our God is a consuming fire!”
Worshippers coming into the presence of the Living God are expected to engage Him who causes us to burn with passion. Honestly, when did we last burn with passion? When did we last come into the house of God, so filled with expectation that we knew that when we met Him in worship it would be as though we spontaneously burst into flame? This is the expectation that grabs the heart of the true worshipper of the Living God. Why does the prospect of eternal worship induce a somnolent state in those that hear of such a thing? Is it not because we have never truly worshipped? For had we worshipped—truly worshipped—our hearts would burn within us and we would be lost in the joy of His presence.
I am struck by the response of two disciples who met the Risen Christ. They were not expecting His presence, but He graciously joined them as they walked toward the tiny village of Emmaus. They were downcast, consumed with an air of grief and consternation. The One whom they had followed had been seized by the religious leaders and had at last been crucified. Just this morning, some women whom they knew and respected had gone to the tomb hoping to attend to His body. They had rushed back to where the men were gloomily gathered in a darkened room, with a wild report that the tomb in which their beloved leader was buried was empty. When some of the group had rushed to the tomb to verify the report, they had indeed found the tomb empty! How could they explain such events?
As these two walked, heads downcast and speaking softly, a silent traveller matched their pace, walking beside them. He inquired what they were discussing. Surely, the man who had joined them was a stranger to the area, so they began to speak about all that had taken place. Having unburdened their hearts, the stranger responded with a gentle rebuke. He had listened to their sad recitation of events; but now He turned their attention to the Scriptures. “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken” He began! “Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory” [LUKE 24:25, 26]? Then, beginning with the writings of Moses the stranger began deliberately to lead them through the Scriptures, demonstrating the Messiah on every page.
The two travellers were so moved by this explanation of the Scriptures and since the day was almost spent they invited the wayfarer to spend the night. He consented to their request and entered into the house. The two men gathered the foodstuff for a humble meal. The stranger, now their guest, took the bread, blessed it and broke it. When He did this, their eyes were opened, their understanding was excited and they realised that Jesus had been walking with them throughout the journey. As suddenly as they realised who He was He was taken from their sight. The men began to speak excitedly to one another, “Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the Scriptures” [LUKE 24:13-32]?
If there is no anticipation in our worship, it is because we are not expecting the presence of the Master! If when we have moved through our liturgies there is no burning love moving us, it is because we have not worshipped! For when we worship, we meet the Risen Son of God; and we cannot help but be moved with joy and excitement when we meet Him. Worship touches the heart of the worshipper causing that one to be lost in admiration, marvelling at the grace and glory of the One worshipped and rejoicing in the knowledge of His acceptance!
Worship, when we are gathered before His throne with all the redeemed of the ages, shall move us in a manner that we have only glimpsed briefly and transiently in this life! Because our God is infinite in grace and glory, we will never plumb the depths of love, of grace, of power, of might, of majesty! We will never exhaust the experience of discovery of God when we worship in Heaven. Worship, for the believer, will be eternally fulfilling, stimulating each of us in ways that cannot be imagined now. At last, the purpose in the honour God shall confer on His beloved saints is that we may enjoy Him forever. God has given us life, liberty and access to His throne. He has given us an eternal home. Ultimately, He gives us His very self.
I weep when I think of those who delude themselves. They live without thought of God, or perhaps they perform sterile rites with boring monotony as though it will assure them a place in the presence of the True and Living God. On the authority of God’s Word, I insist that only those who are born from above shall ever see God. How dreadful is the warning Jesus spoke. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven - only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day, many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons and do many powerful deeds?’ Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you. Go away from me, you lawbreakers’” [MATTHEW 7:21-23].
There is life in Him. He gave His life as a sacrifice because of your weakened condition. He offers you the forgiveness of sin, life and freedom to be all that you were created to be. Believe this message and receive the gift of life that is found only in Him. Do it now. Amen.
“What more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
“And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.”
“A
ll these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised.” When the writer speaks of “All these,” he includes multiple heroes of the Faith—Patriarchs, Judges, Kings and Prophets. Thought it may be difficult to relate to them, the heroes of the Faith are not always recognised as mighty at the time they are carrying out their ministry. After the fact, religious people may honour the memory of those blessed individuals who actually did mighty deeds in the Name of the Master.
You will recall that Jesus sternly censured the religious leaders of His day when He said, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the monuments of the righteous, saying ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.’ Thus you witness against yourselves that you are sons of those who murdered the prophets” [MATTHEW 23:29-31]. Distance from the service rendered permits a more reasoned assessment of the labour provided.
Humbling though it is, we are compelled to confess that we are fallen creatures. Consequently, the most powerful of saints, the most conscientious servant of the Living God, the most blessed among the servants of God, will inevitably be discovered at last to be but a mortal. Though an individual may appear to have succeeded admirably in the cause of Christ, that one is nevertheless susceptible to error and will have exhibited foibles that did not honour Him whom we call Master.
This the unspoken message behind Jesus’ words spoken to His disciples on one occasion. “Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty’” [LUKE 17:7-10]. Focus on the appropriate response given by a servant. “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.”
No one among us has anything of which he or she may boast. We acknowledge that we are recipients of divine grace. If a church is recognised for advancing the Kingdom of God, it will have done so by God’s grace. If a congregation appears to be on the decline, they have nevertheless benefitted from God’s grace. It is only when we attempt to impose human reckoning on the work to which we are called that we begin to think more highly of ourselves than we should. When we adopt God’s view of matters, we realise that He has worked through multiple individuals over time to accomplish His divine plan. No man can claim to have accomplished anything through his effort—it is all of grace.
I urge the people of God to see that they have a vital part in the continuum of the Faith. We stand in a lineage stretching back to the earliest days of the Gospel and continuing forward until that glorious day when the Master shall return. Some will have ultimately been recognised for great accomplishment in the work of the Kingdom. Others will have lived without recognition, nor will they be long remembered by those who follow in the Faith. What is essential is that each has served faithfully, fulfilling the tasks assigned by the Master. We see this truth in the text before us today.
GOD’S CRITERION FOR COMMENDATION — “All these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.” It is not wise to attempt to judge what is accomplished by those who serve the Master. Paul warns Christians, “Who are you to pass judgement on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand” [ROMANS 14:4].
Let me be practical, addressing those who hear the message today. The writer listed men and women who were clearly great in the sight of God. Review those stalwarts of the Faith. The writer begins with Abel [HEBREWS 11:4]. Though we don’t often think of him as one of the stalwarts, he stood for God, offering what the writer calls a “more acceptable sacrifice” than that offered by his brother. His offering was, in the sight of this writer, a bold stance for righteousness with a lasting impact.
The writer continues by naming Enoch, who was spared death, having walked with God [HEBREWS 11:5]. Again, this man is commended for his faith. We then recall Noah, remembering his act of faith witnessed in building an ark [HEBREWS 11:7]. He faithfully preached, warning his generation of pending judgement. No one would have spoken of Noah as successful in his ministry of preaching! In one hundred twenty years, Noah had but seven converts—his wife, his three sons and their wives [see GENESIS 7:13; 2 PETER 2:5]; and one of those converts proved to be less than godly [see GENESIS 9:22-25]!
The writer then turns to Abraham and Sarah. Abraham followed the call of God, but not perfectly; and Sarah had a difficult time believing God’s promise [HEBREWS 11:8-12, 17-19]. The writer does not gloss over Abraham’s failures, remembering instead that he has become the father of the faithful. Just so, our failures will be many; but our successes will be what are remembered before God. Thus, the writer comments, “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city” [HEBREWS 11:13-16].
The writer continues by recalling Isaac, Jacob and Joseph [HEBREWS 11:20-22] before turning attention to Moses [HEBREWS 11:23-28]. Each of these was denoted for his faith, and not for his failures. Their failures were many and the results transient; their faith produced permanent results that would bless the people of God and glorify the Lord their God. Though it isn’t at all evident at the time, Moses is denoted as one who “endured as seeing Him who is invisible” [HEBREWS 11:27].
The writer then turns the readers’ attention to the impact arising from the faith of this one man. Moses stood almost alone in turning a nation of malcontents and slaves into a nation for the glory of God. Following him, numerous individuals who are essentially incidental to the history of the faithful participate in advancing the cause of righteousness. So, the writer pens, “By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies” [HEBREWS 11:29-31].
We read these accounts thinking that Moses was the one showing faith in leading the people across the Red Sea! However, under the guidance of the Spirit of God, the writer says that the people who crossed were the ones exercising faith. Again, it was the faith of all those marching around Jericho who brought down the walls.
At last, we come to the verses that are the focus of our study today. “What more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth” [HEBREWS 11:32-38].
The writer names a few minor participants before naming David and Samuel. We may be confused that this writer would ask us to consider Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah in the same league as David and Samuel; our inclination is to shout out, “There’s no comparison.” Then, he simply invites us to think of “the prophets” before speaking of events, many of which are relatively minor to the greater story of the Faith. None of the events listed were minor to those who endured those experiences, however. Being tortured, enduring restrictions, suffering mocking and flogging or even being chained or imprisoned are not minor events for those experiencing those dreadful deeds. Perhaps some of us can relate to being deprived of comforts, though I doubt that any of us have ever been compelled to wander about in skins of sheep and goats. Neither can many of us speak with authority of being destitute, afflicted or mistreated. Yet, such exploits are presented as evidence of faith in the lives of those for whom these experiences were real.
Few of us have ever conquered kingdoms, though we struggle to conquer our own lives. We are not often called to be mighty in war, though we engage in spiritual warfare as we pray for God’s glory and for the good of His people. We may not have put enemies to flight, but we have no idea of how many enemies of God have been rebuked by righteous lives and the testimony of grace. These is a truth here that we dare not ignore.
When we consider the whole of this chapter, a truth unfolds before our eyes. God knows that those named in this chapter had failures in their lives—significant failures! Yet, it is not the failures that are remembered before God—it is our walk of faith. We will not have our losses thrown into our faces throughout eternity; we will rejoice in all that has glorified the Lord Christ.
Let me show you that truth by referring to one of the earliest letters from the pen of the Apostle to have been included in the canon of Scripture. “We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.
“This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed. To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ” [2 THESSALONIANS 1:3-12].
Walk back through the Apostle’s words, noting what shall be. Remember, he is writing a congregation that is tiny, a church that is hard-pressed by the society in which they served. Despite the opposition they were experiencing, Paul noted that their faith was growing! Not only was their faith growing, but they were growing in love for one another. The growth in faith and love was sufficient to bring the Apostle to the point of boasting about them to the churches as he served the Lord Christ. Such growth is always worthy of commendation!
Take especial note that their suffering, despite the service that many would have considered insignificant, will result in honour and glory. When Jesus comes—you do believe that our Master is coming again! When Jesus comes to receive His own people, He will be glorified in His saints and marvelled at among all who have believed. That in itself is great encouragement. However, the Apostle continues by noting that through faithful service, regardless of how insignificant the world may deem that service, Christ will be glorified in them and they will be glorified in Him. This is all of grace. Now apply this truth to our own service. Regardless of the estimate of those about us—whether the lost, whether false brothers, whether weaker brothers, whether untaught brothers—we who are faithful in our service to the Master will be glorified in Him and He will be glorified in us!
The criterion for the divine assessment of our labour is whether we are commended through our faith. What is important is whether we have stayed at the work; the important issue is not whether we have met the standard of this dying world. How long did the deliverance of Gideon last? How permanent was the deliverance that Barak wrought (though it was actually Deborah who served as Judge and Jael who slew Sisera)? Jephthah’s service was marred by a glaring lack of character. Yet, God used each of these individuals to bring glory to His Name and to move Israel closer to the day when the Anointed One would come to deliver all who looked to Him in faith.
GOD’S TIMING FOR CONFERRING HONOUR — “All these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.” It is human nature to want recognition in timely manner. However, what is timely in light of eternity and what we consider timely seldom intersect—the concepts may not even approach asymptotically.
I would not encourage any among us to ignore speaking words of commendation to one another. We need to build one another, encourage one another, strengthen one another. That is the purpose for the ministries we have received. Instructing the saints in Corinth concerning the gifts distributed by the Spirit of God, Paul affirms, “The one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation” [1 CORINTHIANS 14:3]. This threefold ministry is the expected outgrowth of serving together as the community of faith.
To the Thessalonian Christians, the Apostle sought to turn their attention from this moment called “Now” to what will shortly be revealed to us. Thus, he wrote, “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.” Then, with spiritual wisdom born of obedience to the Lord who gives us His Word, Paul wrote, “Therefore encourage one another with these words” [1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-18].
To ensure that we understand that this is the essential outgrowth of our service together, recall that the Apostle concluded his first missive to these saints by reminding them of their work in the midst of a dark and dreary world. Paul wrote, “Concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, ‘There is peace and security,’ then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” [1 THESSALONIANS 5:1-11].
This is the reason I insist to the people of God that we must cease living as the world does, demanding fealty to our petty ideas, demanding that others bend to our will, demanding that the church be treated as a private fiefdom; rather, we are responsible to build one another in this most holy faith, encourage one another and comfort one another. This is the import of the closing words of the Second Letter to the Corinthian Christians, “Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you” [2 CORINTHIANS 13:11].
I have said these things to encourage each of us always to encourage our fellow believers. Take note of the work performed to make the facilities comfortable; we who worship here are the beneficiaries. Speak a word of gratitude for the service we have received. Take note of the labours of those who have preceded us in this place, giving thanks for their service. By their ministry, they laid a foundation for what is done today, and we are the beneficiaries. So many acts are performed that are taken for granted during any given week. Combined, all these little acts ensure that we worship without distraction and those who join us are able to focus on the important work of building the believers. Think of the provision of music, the preparation of coffee and tea, cleaning the facilities, clearing the snow, printing the bulletin, decorating the auditorium where we meet, caring for routine maintenance, and the list could continue. What is essential is to recognise that others have willingly accepted responsibility to do these tasks so that we can together engage in the great work of worshipping the Risen Saviour.
However, should no one ever take note of your labours, remember that you are performing your work to the glory of God and not for the accolade of man. Remember the admonition, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ” [COLOSSIANS 3:23, 24].
Though the context in the next passage speaks of service rendered by bondservants, the words apply to each of us in our service to God. Paul admonishes, “Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, not by the way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, rendering service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man, knowing that whatever good anyone does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether he is a bondservant or is free” [EPHESIANS 6:5-8].
Each Christian can anticipate recognition at the Master’s return. None will be overlooked, none will be forgotten. We have this promise, “If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward” [1 CORINTHIANS 3:14]. The foundation in question is Jesus Christ. If you seek His glory, if you strive to honour Him, if you endeavour to advance His cause, He will remember you. If will not be a case of others being acknowledged while you are ignored. Together all the saints of God will be rewarded at His return. Surely this is the intent of the Apostle’s teaching when he writes, “Each will receive his wages according to his labour” [1 CORINTHIANS 3:8b].
As the Revelator concluded writing the Apocalypse, the angel with whom he spoke admonished him, “‘Do not seal up the words of the prophecy contained in this book, because the time is near. The evildoer must continue to do evil, and the one who is morally filthy must continue to be filthy. The one who is righteous must continue to act righteously, and the one who is holy must continue to be holy.’
“(Look! I am coming soon,
and my reward is with me to pay each one according to what he has done!”
[REVELATION 22:10-12]
In the days of the Great Tribulation, as God pours out His judgements, the saints assembled in Heaven are seen worshipping; and as they worship they are saying,
“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,
who is and who was,
for you have taken your great power
and begun to reign.
The nations raged,
but your wrath came,
and the time for the dead to be judged,
and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints,
and those who fear your name,
both small and great,
and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.”
[REVELATION 11:17, 18]
Note that before the throne of the True and Living God the redeemed are worshipping because it means that He now is rewarding His servants. Knowing that God is faithful, that He will do what He says He will do, causes great joy. When we are translated into the presence of our God, we shall witness the fulfilment of His promise to reward His servants! His servants include the prophets and saints, just as we would anticipate. But notice that His servants also include “Those who fear [His] Name, both small and great!” Only together are all the redeemed rewarded. There are no inferior saints before the throne of God!
I have often thought of these things. We sometimes are inclined to say that those who have preceded us in the Faith are enjoying their rewards while we must look to a point in the future. I’m not so certain about that. Throughout the Word is the constant refrain that only together are the people of God rewarded. The emphasis is upon equality, none gaining precedence over others. Whatever can that mean?
I consider that as I enter into the presence of my King, I shall be able to look to my left and see Paul, and Timothy, and Luke together with a great host of saints entering into eternity at the same moment that I am entering. Looking to my right, I shall see others who are now serving the Master, saints who have diligently longed for His return while faithfully serving. Surveying this vast throng, I shall see my beloved granddad who faithfully declared the Word of God in small communities throughout the lead mining regions of my natal state. Entering into glory with all the saints I shall see my dad who stood firm in his faith, beating out a rhythm as he sharpened ploughshares while singing the great hymns of the Faith. Together, we shall be gathered to the Master; and together we shall receive the promised rewards. What else can the words of our text mean other than this? Note that the Spirit of God clearly says of what shall be, “Apart from us they should not be made perfect?”
GOD’S PURPOSE IN HONOURING HIS FAITHFUL ONES — “All these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.” God inhabits eternity; and though we are being fitted for eternity, we are for this moment bounded by time. We measure our lives by the transit of the planets through the heavens, calculating the number of circuits about the sun we have endured. We speak of a birthday, knowing that we are moving inexorably toward a final date that will be etched on our tombstone. Yet, from the time we came to faith in the Living Son of God, we have experienced a continual transformation as we prepare for eternity.
At last we shall be gathered together with all the redeemed of God; there, we will receive “something better,” that which is so wonderful that only when all the redeemed have at last been gathered together shall it be revealed. Can we discover what that “something better” is? Is it possible to learn now what God has provided for those who love Him?
When I look back in this chapter, I note that Enoch walked with God, providing encouragement to all people that God “rewards those who seek Him” [HEBREWS 11:6b]. This is the first hint of what is coming for God’s holy people. Then, I read of Abraham and what he anticipated. The writer states, “He was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God” [HEBREWS 11:10].
Abraham looked for a heavenly city—the city of God. However, it was greater than a mere city, for all these looked for a homeland. This is what is stated when the writer says, “These all died in faith without receiving the things promised, but they saw them in the distance and welcomed them and acknowledged that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth. For those who speak in such a way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. In fact, if they had been thinking of the land that they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they aspire to a better land, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them” [HEBREWS 11:13-16].
We are coming nearer to understanding what the “something better” that is promised is. That which God has promised to give to those who love Him is so great that is enables His saints to conquer kingdoms, enforce justice, obtain promises, stop the mouths of lions, quench the power of fire, escape the edge of the sword, create strength out of weakness, become mighty in war and put foreign armies to flight! Indeed, those who anticipate God’s reward are enabled to endure unthinkable evil. Such saints are of such character that “the world is not worthy.”
I need only read a little further and I discover how to bring together all the threads that have hinted at what God is providing. HEBREWS 12:18-29 is somewhat extended, but it reveals the “something better” that God has planned. “You have not come to something that can be touched, to a burning fire and darkness and gloom and a whirlwind and the blast of a trumpet and a voice uttering words such that those who heard begged to hear no more. For they could not bear what was commanded: ‘If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned.’ In fact, the scene was so terrifying that Moses said, ‘I shudder with fear.’ But you have come to Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels, to the assembly and congregation of the firstborn, who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous, who have been made perfect, and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks of something better than Abel’s does.
“Take care not to refuse the one who is speaking! For if they did not escape when they refused the one who warned them on earth, how much less shall we, if we reject the one who warns from heaven? Then his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, ‘I will once more shake not only the earth but heaven too.’ Now this phrase ‘once more’ indicates the removal of what is shaken, that is, of created things, so that what is unshaken may remain. So since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom, let us give thanks, and through this let us offer worship pleasing to God in devotion and awe. For our God is indeed a devouring fire.”
“Something better” that God has planned for all the redeemed saints is Mount Zion, the City of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem. There, the redeemed will witness myriads of angels, the assembly and congregation of the firstborn, for at last all the redeemed of all the ages shall be gather before the throne of the Lord God. The best part of “something better,” is that we will have come to “God, the Judge of all … and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant.”
The appropriate response of those who are receiving such a gift is to give thanks, thus offering worship pleasing to God in devotion and awe. Before God, when we realise what He has planned for us, we worship. How tragically incomprehensible are our puerile efforts to worship now. For many of us, worship consists of a liturgy that can be stupefying, trance inducing, so familiar that we move through the motions without thought. However, the writer informs us that “Our God is a consuming fire!”
Worshippers coming into the presence of the Living God are expected to engage Him who causes us to burn with passion. Honestly, when did we last burn with passion? When did we last come into the house of God, so filled with expectation that we knew that when we met Him in worship it would be as though we spontaneously burst into flame? This is the expectation that grabs the heart of the true worshipper of the Living God. Why does the prospect of eternal worship induce a somnolent state in those that hear of such a thing? Is it not because we have never truly worshipped? For had we worshipped—truly worshipped—our hearts would burn within us and we would be lost in the joy of His presence.
I am struck by the response of two disciples who met the Risen Christ. They were not expecting His presence, but He graciously joined them as they walked toward the tiny village of Emmaus. They were downcast, consumed with an air of grief and consternation. The One whom they had followed had been seized by the religious leaders and had at last been crucified. Just this morning, some women whom they knew and respected had gone to the tomb hoping to attend to His body. They had rushed back to where the men were gloomily gathered in a darkened room, with a wild report that the tomb in which their beloved leader was buried was empty. When some of the group had rushed to the tomb to verify the report, they had indeed found the tomb empty! How could they explain such events?
As these two walked, heads downcast and speaking softly, a silent traveller matched their pace, walking beside them. He inquired what they were discussing. Surely, the man who had joined them was a stranger to the area, so they began to speak about all that had taken place. Having unburdened their hearts, the stranger responded with a gentle rebuke. He had listened to their sad recitation of events; but now He turned their attention to the Scriptures. “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken” He began! “Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory” [LUKE 24:25, 26]? Then, beginning with the writings of Moses the stranger began deliberately to lead them through the Scriptures, demonstrating the Messiah on every page.
The two travellers were so moved by this explanation of the Scriptures and since the day was almost spent they invited the wayfarer to spend the night. He consented to their request and entered into the house. The two men gathered the foodstuff for a humble meal. The stranger, now their guest, took the bread, blessed it and broke it. When He did this, their eyes were opened, their understanding was excited and they realised that Jesus had been walking with them throughout the journey. As suddenly as they realised who He was He was taken from their sight. The men began to speak excitedly to one another, “Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road, while He opened to us the Scriptures” [LUKE 24:13-32]?
If there is no anticipation in our worship, it is because we are not expecting the presence of the Master! If when we have moved through our liturgies there is no burning love moving us, it is because we have not worshipped! For when we worship, we meet the Risen Son of God; and we cannot help but be moved with joy and excitement when we meet Him. Worship touches the heart of the worshipper causing that one to be lost in admiration, marvelling at the grace and glory of the One worshipped and rejoicing in the knowledge of His acceptance!
Worship, when we are gathered before His throne with all the redeemed of the ages, shall move us in a manner that we have only glimpsed briefly and transiently in this life! Because our God is infinite in grace and glory, we will never plumb the depths of love, of grace, of power, of might, of majesty! We will never exhaust the experience of discovery of God when we worship in Heaven. Worship, for the believer, will be eternally fulfilling, stimulating each of us in ways that cannot be imagined now. At last, the purpose in the honour God shall confer on His beloved saints is that we may enjoy Him forever. God has given us life, liberty and access to His throne. He has given us an eternal home. Ultimately, He gives us His very self.
I weep when I think of those who delude themselves. They live without thought of God, or perhaps they perform sterile rites with boring monotony as though it will assure them a place in the presence of the True and Living God. On the authority of God’s Word, I insist that only those who are born from above shall ever see God. How dreadful is the warning Jesus spoke. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of heaven - only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. On that day, many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons and do many powerful deeds?’ Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you. Go away from me, you lawbreakers’” [MATTHEW 7:21-23].
There is life in Him. He gave His life as a sacrifice because of your weakened condition. He offers you the forgiveness of sin, life and freedom to be all that you were created to be. Believe this message and receive the gift of life that is found only in Him. Do it now. Amen.
[1] Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
[2] Biblical Studies Press, The NET Bible First Edition (Noteless), (Biblical Studies Press, 2005)
