The book of Hebrews takes us on a remarkable journey: from seeing who Jesus is to discovering how a disciple lives because of who He is.
Jesus is our Great High Priest. He has offered Himself once for all, opened a new and living way into God's presence, and continues to intercede for us. Because His work is finished, we can draw near with confidence.
But the Christian journey does not end at the doorway of God's presence. We are called to hold fast to our confession and hope without wavering. Why? Because “He who promised is faithful.”
Yet God's promises are not always immediately visible. There is often a space between promise and fulfilment. Hebrews calls that space the place of faith and endurance. “You have need of endurance” so that, having done God's will, we may receive what He has promised.
Hebrews 11 then shows us what this faith looks like. Faith is not merely believing something to be true; it is trusting God enough to act upon what cannot yet be seen. The heroes of faith stepped forward, obeyed, waited, sacrificed and endured because they trusted the One who had promised.
And then Hebrews 12 brings our eyes to where they ultimately belong:
“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.”
The witnesses encourage us, but Jesus is our focus. He is not merely an example of faith; He is its Pioneer and Perfecter. He Himself endured the cross because of the joy set before Him.
This is why faith is a critical character of a disciple.
A disciple is one who trusts Jesus enough to keep following Him when the whole journey is not yet visible.
DRAW NEAR.
Live in His presence.
HOLD FAST.
Don't let go of hope.
ENDURE.
Keep walking when fulfilment seems delayed.
LIVE BY FAITH.
Act on God's promises even when they cannot yet be seen.
LOOK TO JESUS.
Keep your eyes fixed on the One who began the journey and will bring it to completion.
The disciple does not have the whole map.
The disciple has the Guide.
The disciple does not yet see the whole promise.
The disciple knows the Promiser.
And that is enough to keep walking.
FAITH: The Character of a Disciple
DRAW NEAR • HOLD FAST • ENDURE • LIVE BY FAITH • LOOK TO JESUS
HE WHO PROMISED IS FAITHFUL.
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