David Bahn – Reflections

Hebrews 11:1-3 – Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2For by it the people of old received their commendation. 3By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.

Once you have dismissed God as Creator you have no need of him as Redeemer or Sanctifier. He is our Creator – making this beautiful world out of nothing. He is also our Redeemer – shedding His own blood for us and our salvation. He is our Sanctifier – calling us to faith and a life of abundant service and love for God and neighbor.

By faith in Him we hope for a perfect and eternal experience of life and joy – something we don’t see, but in which we believe and for which we hope. That hope is so strong that men and women have died for that faith. They have not died by terroristic suicide bombings. They have died as victims of those who want to snuff out the truth of God and quash the faith that is founded on Jesus’ death and resurrection. They are totally committed to God’s truth and the hope that is ours in Him.

Pastor DeMik, yesterday at St. John, shared the insight that the reminder of “Hebrews chapter 11 provides an early example of a martyr list, a composition that was popular during the time between the Testaments and eventually led to the martyr and saints calendars beloved by early Christians.  Remembering the martyrs and saints has three blessings for God’s people: (1) their stories lead us to praise and thank God; (2) their examples strengthen our faith in God’s mercy for us; and (3) with God’s help, we may imitate their faith and virtues.”

We do not imitate marble statues, but real life men and women who chose to stay faithful to God in the face of death. When we face challenges to our faith – whether these come in the form of those who tempt us to wander from the path, from those who seek to shut down our witness, or from our own weakness and fear, we can draw strength from God’s Holy Spirit and the inspiration of others who have kept the faith. Perhaps we might even serve as an example for others as we stay faithful to God, His Word and calling in our lives.

Prayer – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, because of Your tender love toward us sinners You have given to us Your Son that, believing in Him, we might have everlasting life.  Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and finally come to life everlasting; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen.