And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Hebrews 11:39-40

I tend to associate obedience with reward. If I do what I am supposed to do, then whatever is promised, should be received…right? My kids certainly think this way! I did what you asked, what do I get in return?

Faith doesn’t work this way. The author makes that clear here. These Old Testament saints which fill the verses of Hebrews 11 with their bravery, confidence in Yahweh, and steadfast hope in the face of persecution, did not see their reward in their lifetimes. They needed us, these verses say, as in, they needed the fulfillment of the plan of redemption. We, Christians, are the proof that their faith was valid! We are the evidence that God was faithful, is faithful, and will be faithful! But they had to die in faith.

This is the norm for most believers in the history of the world. Very few saw their faith fulfilled in their own lifetimes. Are you prepared for that to be the same for you? I know I struggle with that. But we have their example to remember and look to. Will we follow in their footsteps of faith?

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The “Isolation Introspection” series started as an opportunity for me to encoruage members of our Bible Study with daily reflections from the M’Cheyne Bible Reading Plan during the 2020 “Stay at Home” mandate in Los Angeles. I’ve moved them here so that they can be shared easily, and perhaps benefit others. I hope you enjoy!