Re: Verse reading–Hebrews 11:1-2,32-40; 12:1-3, 12-17 (day seven)
“By faith (they) conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, (and) shut the mouths of lions. . .Others experienced mockings and scourgings. . .they were stoned, they were sawn in two.” (11:33, 36-37) Christians have two kinds of spiritual heroes. People who trust God into triumph AND people who trust Him to death without any apparent vindication or victory (in this world, at least). As a Pastor, I have known believers who experienced miraculous rescue. I have also known those who endured pain and injury without complaint for long and patient years. The lesson? Faith’s reward is not always now. Never completely now. (Kipling says that triumph and disaster are both “imposters”.) The real value of life will only be known when God declares it in eternity. Whether they win or get wiped out, our heroes all tell us the same thing. Trust God! He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Always! Eventually!
