By Faith __________

Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the "Roll Call of Faith."  Ever been involved in a roll call in school or in the service?  They call your name and you raise your hand or say, "here."   The purpose...is to take attendance.

The author of Hebrews is reminding his Jewish audience about the "Heroes of Faith" from Jewish history. It ends up being a "who's who" of the Old Testament.  And what makes them special?  Is it faith? Yes.  So what is faith?  Verse 1 tells us, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." 

Turns out it is more than just faith...it is faith in God.  Verse 6 says, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."

So here goes the roll call...."Abel...Enoch...Noah...Abraham...Isaac and Jacob...Joseph..Moses’ parents...Moses...Rahab...Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel...then after this specific roll call...there were tons of people who were commended for being poor, persecuted and tortured for their faith in God.

Then after this rousing reminder of God's faithful followers we are thrown a curve ball with this statement,  "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised."  So what's the deal????  If God promised... why did they not receive?  answer:  "God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect."

I am going to let you think this one through for yourself....but it has to do with Jesus returning for us.....and them.   Wow...a better promise for us...and them.