January 4: The Illustration of Faith

SCRIPTURE

Hebrews 11:3

By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.

OBSERVATION

God did not just create the world, but the worlds (aiōn), which designates the physical universe itself and also its operation, its administration. He created everything simply by His word (rhēma), His divine utterance. He created from nothing, at least not from anything physical, or visible. The writer makes an absolutely stupendous claim in this short verse. The greatest claim, and the one hardest for an unbeliever to accept, is that understanding of creation comes entirely by faith.

The origin of the universe has been a long-standing problem for philosophers and scientists. Centuries of investigation, speculation, and comparing of notes and theories have brought them no closer to a solution. Every time a consensus seems to be developing about a particular theory, someone comes up with evidence that disproves it or makes it less plausible.

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God. It is beyond the realm of scientific investigation, but it is not beyond knowing—if we are willing to be taught by the Word of God.

All truth is God's truth. Some of it—the natural world—is discoverable with our eyes, ears, touch, and intellect. A great deal more of it, however, is not. It is understood only by faith. The very attempt to explain the universe, or our own being and nature, apart from God is a fool's effort. These things we understand only by faith in the revealed Word of Scripture.

An evangelist of many years ago told the beautiful story of two little boys he once visited in a London hospital.

“The cots were side-by-side. One boy had a dangerous fever, the other had been struck by a truck and his body was badly mangled. The second one said to the first, "Say, Willie, I was down to the mission Sunday school and they told me about Jesus. I believe that if you ask Jesus, He will help you. They said that if we believe in Him and pray to God, then when we die He'll come and take us with Him to heaven." Willie replied, "But what if I'm asleep when He comes and I can't ask Him?" His friend said, "Just hold up your hand; that's what we did in Sunday school. I guess Jesus sees it." Since Willie was too weak to hold up his arm, the other boy propped it up for him with a pillow. During that night, Willie died, but when the nurse found him the next morning, his arm was still propped up.”

 We can be sure that the Lord saw his arm, because the Lord sees faith and the Lord accepts faith. By faith Willie saw the way to heaven. By faith he saw what the learned will never discover on their own. God's greatest truths are discovered by simple faith. It is not the world's way to truth, but a thousand years from now the world will still be devising and rejecting its theories. The person of faith knows the truth now. Faith is the only way to God.

UNDERSTANDING

What is God saying to me? 

 

It’s interesting to me that the verse says “by faith we understand,” not “by faith we accept.” There is an understanding that comes only through exercising faith. And according to scripture, understanding should be pursued and greatly valued. 

Proverbs 4:7  Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

If I want understanding; to understand God, to understand his specific will for my life, to understand his Word, it will not come without faith.

LIFE APPLICATION

 

What will I do about it?

Continue asking God to increase my faith.

God, please fill us with faith! We want to gain a greater understanding and to know you more! Amen.

 

-Levi Thompson

 

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