Daily Devotion for Monday 22nd July 2024
Hebrews 11:17-31 (from the NRSV (Anglicised), with OT quotes in italics)
17 By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer up his only son, 18 of whom he had been told, ‘It is through Isaac that descendants shall be named after you.’ 19 He considered the fact that God is able even to raise someone from the dead—and figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. 20 By faith Isaac invoked blessings for the future on Jacob and Esau. 21 By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, ‘bowing in worship over the top of his staff.’ 22 By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his burial.
23 By faith Moses was hidden by his parents for three months after his birth, because they saw that the child was beautiful; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. 24 By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called a son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He considered abuse suffered for the Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, unafraid of the king’s anger; for he persevered as though he saw him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.
29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted to do so they were drowned. 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell after they had been encircled for seven days. 31 By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had received the spies in peace.
Reflection
The record of faith continues, telling of Abraham and the patriarchs of Israel, as the promise flows down the generations (vv.17-22, drawing on Genesis 22-50). Then come Moses and the Exodus from Egypt (vv.23-29, from Exodus 1-14), and Israel’s arrival in the promised land (vv.30-31, from Joshua 6). Themes we noticed yesterday continue into today’s verses.
Looking beyond: the patriarchs reach for the future as their own lives approach the end (vv.20-22). They believe God has more to do than they will be able to see. Moses ‘looked ahead to the reward’, as he took up responsibilities of leadership and spoke for freedom and faith. His inner vision of God – even though God cannot be seen – enabled him to resist the treasure and tyranny of earth (vv.26-27).
Exclusion: Hebrews tells Moses’ story as a matter of belonging, loyalty and choice. His parents defied royal law (v.23). And he steps aside from privilege and security, to face down oppression and anger. He disowns the rank and power of Pharaoh’s household, to associate with his suffering kinsfolk (vv.24-25). Indeed this was, ahead of time, ‘abuse suffered for the Christ’ (v.26). The readers of the letter need not fear, is the message. There is reward, as well as cost, in faithful discipleship.
Journeying: Moses and the people ‘left Egypt’ and ‘passed through the Red Sea’ (vv.27, 29). And the readers of the letter may themselves need to be a people in transit. Hebrews will encourage them to ‘run with perseverance’ (12:1), and to ‘go out to Jesus and bear the abuse’ (13:13; the same word as 11:26). Their journey too is likely to be marked by hardship and challenge. This will be their part in God’s long story of faithfulness under pressure.
Prayer
Do you know any leaders under pressure – in church life, in public affairs, even in your workplace? Will you pray for these people, that they will have courage to resist the easy option, integrity to speak and act in truth, and compassion to notice and support people under strain?