Today’s scripture: Hebrews 11:1-3 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
The Greek word hupostasis is translated as “substance” in today’s scripture. The meaning that this word carries with it is: “That which underlies the apparent; that which is the basis of something; hence, assurance, guarantee and confidence.” This reveals that faith is foundational. Today’s reading caused me to think about my own faith and what that means for me.
Faith is an active life in relationship with God that causes me to seek God, learn more of God, and grow in God. For me as a Christian, this growth comes about in my call to discipleship. Faith is not something I decide to do one day. Faith is something that is active, just as my call to follow Jesus is an ongoing journey. Faith allows me to see the mystery of God and of God’s grace; and faith causes me to seek and know God, and to become what God calls me to be. The more I think I know of God, the more unknowing I actually become because I realize that God is so much more than I can imagine.
Faith is not static but causes me to press on, learn more of God, and take the time to cultivate a deeper relationship with God. This causes me to understand myself better, foibles and all. I see faith as bringing change as it seeks a greater understanding of God. Some may view faith as simple obedience to a set of rules or statements, but this view is something that Jesus was transforming during his ministry, yet this is so common even today. Hebrews 11:1 can be stated as, “Faith is a well-grounded assurance of that for which we hope, and a conviction of the reality of things which we do not see.” As I transform on the inside, faith causes me to reach outside of myself to serve others, fight for justice, and change the world.
Prayer for the day: God, I pray that I maintain an active faith: seeking you, growing in you, and transforming so to love as you love.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.