Adventures in Hebrews 11, Part 2 Verses taken from the American King James Version, unless stated otherwise. It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts (Hebrews 11:4 NLT). God had asked both Abel and Cain to offer something up to Him. Why did God like Abel s offering more than Cain s? Is it because God wanted a lamb and not fruits and vegetables? The Bible doesn t fully explain why. However, God was probably looking at Cain and Abel s attitude toward Him more than their actions. Why do I have to do this? It s such a chore. I give to You, for You have given me much.
The next story in Hebrews 11 is about Enoch. In Noah s day, the world had become so wicked that God decided to cleanse the world with a flood. Enoch was Noah s greatgrandfather! So things had probably already begun to get bad in Enoch s day.1 Genesis 5:24, Enoch lived in close fellowship with God (NLT). When you see everyone doing whatever they like and not paying attention to what God likes, it takes strong faith in an unseen God to do what God wants you to do. 1 Come, join us! We re off to make trouble! No, thanks. I m happy talking with my friend. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God (Hebrews 11:5). Jude 1:14-15 Enoch s godly life lived in faith pleased God so much that God translated Enoch. This means Enoch was taken from earth to be with God without Enoch dying. God simply removed Enoch from earth. Read this story in Genesis 5:21-24.
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6). The puppy has faith in us-and that makes us happy. It pleases us? Look at this cute puppy! I think he wants us to feed him. Yes! It s like the verse said. We come to God because we believe He will take care of us and give us what we need. The puppy wouldn t come near us if he didn t think we d give him what he needs. But faith is the prerequisite-it s what we need to have in order to approach God in the first place. I ll call you Rufus. Rufus had faith!
It was by faith that Noah built a large boat to save his family from the flood. He obeyed God, who warned him about things that had never happened before (Hebrews 11:7a NLT). Noah had to have faith in God when God said that the whole world would be covered in water. What an oddly shaped house. He s had too much sun. I ve never seen such a darkened sky! I m not surprised. By his faith Noah condemned the rest of the world, and he received the righteousness that comes by faith (Hebrews 11:7 NLT). God s words are true! Read the full story of Noah and the Ark in Genesis chapters 6-9.
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing where he went (Hebrews 11:8). Do we have to leave this place we know so well? God said to go. So even though we don t know what to expect, we know God is leading us and He ll take care of us. For he looked for a city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11:10). These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth (Hebrews 11:13). God has promised a better place. This isn t our final destination.
God made a covenant with Abraham promising him and his descendants the land of Canaan. However, that promise wasn t fulfilled in Abraham s lifetime, but it did come to pass many, many years later. But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them (Hebrews 11:16 NLT). Read of God s covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15:5 18. I know God will keep His word. I have something awesome prepared for you! To be continued S&S link: Christian Life and Faith: Biblical and Christian Foundation: Faith-2b; Christian Life and Faith: Biblical and Christian Foundation: Faith-2f Authored by R. A. Watterson. Illustrations by Zeb. Design by Christia Copeland. Published by My Wonder Studio. Copyright 2012 by The Family International