“His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature” (2 Pet 1:3-4a).

Scott’s most profound promise from God, years ago, impacted him greatly. He has always referred to his encounter of ’98 as his call from God encouraging him to share the gospel to thousands. In Scott’s visitation, his petition for healing was received, Scott heard the answer that “his healing had already begun” as if it was no big deal for Jesus. Scott was surprised that more time wasn’t spent talking about his healing since that was his weightiest burden. Instead the dialogue continued as to what else was on Scott’s heart.  He felt drawn to make other requests. We have always carried the conversation Scott had with Jesus during this night in our hearts. We desire to understand the depth of what was being communicated and imparted. God has continued to give greater revelation of  His Will as we have come to know Him through His Word.

“We are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised” (Heb 6:9b, 11-12 NIV).

In the Halls of Faith in Hebrews Chapter 11, not only those that believed the promises did mighty exploits for God but others that held the promises by faith; although they did not obtain them in this lifetime. It was still by faith they had the victory. By faith these heroes discovered the mind of God and were fully persuaded of Truth. They embraced the Word and confessed by their obedience and obtained a good testimony through faith.

The patriarchs, Jacob and Joseph, who requested their bones be carried out from the land of Egypt, saw something afar off and were assured of them (Gen 49:29-50:14). Also, Abraham and Sara were promised an innumerable inheritance born as the sand of the seashore (Heb 11:8-12). David saw faith accounted for in righteousness fulfilled centuries later through the New Covenant promise (Ro 4:6). He had a revelation of grace that was unparalleled in the Old Testament.  Whether, at a future time on this earth or in Eternity, the promises of God we cling to will be fulfilled.

By faith, Moses forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible (Heb 11:27). We do well to “hold fast to our confidence which has great recompense of reward” (Heb 10:35). In the following verse we are exhorted that we have need of endurance, that after having done the will of God, we may receive the promise (vs.36). The race set before us is the analogy of our lives, we are reminded to run with endurance (Heb 12:1b) being mindful of the great cloud of witnesses that have gone before us. We are to cast of every weight, looking to the finisher of our faith, Jesus!

In Hebrews 11, verses 30-39, we read of those that overcame. Some subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, escaped the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle.  Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance…mocked and scourged, in chains and imprisoned, being stoned, sawn in two, tempted and slain with the sword. Still others wandered about being destitute, afflicted, and tormented “of whom the world was not worthy” (vs.38a).  “…All of these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, God having something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us” (vs. 39-40). This seems to be a mystery of our resurrected life to come; hard to comprehend the revelation that these overcomers lived and died by.

Some of these saints did not obtain their promise in this life but they laid hold of it by faith, without wavering. God’s promises never perish for the One who promises is faithful. These saints, having been made spectacles by reproaches and tribulations knew that they had a better and enduring possession for themselves in heaven. We also are not to cast away our confidence which has great reward but we need endurance, so that after we have done the will of God, may receive the promise (Heb 10:35-36).

 “according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as  always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” Phil 1:20-21

This entry was posted on Sunday, February 13th, 2011 at 12:43 am and is filed under Devotionals. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.