Better Than A Birthday
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not
see.”–Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
Do you remember how you felt, especially as a young child,
when your birthday was approaching? If you were at all like me
andmy brothers growing up (we would talk about our birthdays
all year!), you were full of excitement and anticipation. Why?
Probably because you were confident that you would receive
gifts, special visitors, and other delightful treats. Your parents
had proven to be trustworthy in coming through for past
birthdays, and you were certain they’d do so again.
There is some parallel to faith.AlthoughHeb 11:1 is not a formal
or exhaustive definition, it indicates that a significant feature of
biblical faith is eager certainty about the unseen. Faith extends
beyond what we learn from our normal senses to realities that
have no material evidence but are real nonetheless (cf. 2 Cor
5:7). It gives us a genuine conviction about the reality of God’s
promises and a calm confidence that we will encounter them—
the best gifts of all!
This faith, then, is not a complacent emotion or static energy
but something lively and active. It impels us to reach out and
lay hold of the spiritual realities that are already ours in Christ
and to savor now the blessings awaiting us in the future. And
because that kind of faith relies on God and knowsHe will “come
through,” it pleases Him (Heb 10:35-39; 11:6).
In the remainder of Hebrews 11 we’re challenged to live lives of
faith according to the pattern of people who demonstrated a
firmconfidence in God’s promises even though they had not yet
received the fulfillment of those promises (vv. 13, 26, 39). Faith
presses us steadfastly on toward what God has for us now and in
the future, no matter what we’re currently feeling or facing
(10:32-39; 11:27, 35-40; 12:2).
We’ve already received so many “unseen gifts” from God, and
something far better than a birthday is coming. So let’s get
excited with “childlike faith” before a birthday (cf. Matt 11:25;
18:3; 19:14)!
For Discussion: Talk about how anticipating a birthday is and isn’t like
faith. Brainstorm promises and spiritual realities we have from God. Pick
one that encourages you and think of it in the context of Heb 11:1.
FamilyActivity:Read Hebrews 11.Wrap up something special and leave it
out until the end of this season as a reminder to exercise biblical faith.
