Heralds Digest

"By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin." (Hebrews 11:24-25 NKJV) The call to register name in God's book of faithful followers is constantly open in every project or preoccupation of life. Whether in a family setting or corporate affairs, the vote for the right remains a call to polularity contest. The challenge with the call has always been the possibility of passing the contest. When faced with the privilege to choose between being identify as either Mr. Pharaoh or Mr. Levi, the decision goes beyond the spelling of the letters in a name. Moses' preference to be identified as a slave, rather than a prince, cost him 40 years in the wilderness. Only faith in God can consistently crunch the crisis of identity within and without compromise.

"By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command." (Hebrews 11:23 NKJV) Many readily struggle with obedience to clearly defined missions of God, especially when the risk of implementation appears high. However, Moses' parents aligned with the conviction that the conception and delivery of Moses was unique, even without knowledge of his mission in life. They preserved Moses' life against the king's instruction because of an un-clarified interest of God. We really do not need logical disposition of God's express will in order to justify our obedience. It was faith in the undefined mission of Moses that preserved him; albeit sufficiently guided by his beautiful complexion.

"By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff." (Hebrews 11:21 NKJV) Promises from a man are limited by the mortality of the promise maker. Even with utmost sincerity, the fulfillment of promises from man is not guaranteed. However, the patriarch like Isaac, Jacob and Joseph had no doubt about the promises received from God, even on their dying beds. Since acquisition of God's promises is ageless, the benevolence of God is continuously replicated in a man of faith. Faith extends ageless benevolence to future generation with the generosity of a genuine benefactor.

"By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son." (Hebrews 11:17 NKJV) In times of great needs, it is difficult for any benefactor to seek nothing else besides the fulfillment of promises made to him. Unlike most promise seekers, Abraham's faith in the potency of the Giver of promise overrode his desperate need to secure the promise - his only begotten son. He passed the test because he believed that He who brought Isaac from their dead bodies (Abraham and Sarah) is also able to bring him back from his dead body (Isaac). Only faith in the potency of the Promise-Giver can keep promises safe in the hands of their benefactors.

"By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised." (Hebrews 11:11 NKJV) The ages of Sarah and Abraham before the conception of Isaac leave little room to doubt the reports of their loss of reproductive power. While relying on these type of reports are useful for family planning purpose, anchoring on negative statements there-from often lead to blame shifting, frustration, and hurtful disagreement. By faith Sarah anchored on the promise of God, instead of leaning on her own understanding of aged body. With absolute faith in God, the age of a man does not limit his ability to dream.

"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going." (Hebrews 11:8 NKJV) Unlike in the days of Abraham, world globalization has significantly reduced the risk of immigration. Abraham had to leave the Ur of Chaldees without the knowledge of the position of the land of Canaan on the world map. Although he knew nothing about the culture, economy, location and the itinerary, he was satisfied about his confidence in the character and charisma of God, who led him in the way. Unfortunately today, the world's system knowledge increases at the expense of faith in God. Nevertheless, God's statement of faith is superior to the world's statement of facts, representing the most essential matter of the heart of man.

"By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith." (Hebrews 11:7 NKJV) Given the strange warning about an impending flood of waters, it was commendable for Noah to succeed in securing the company of his family members on board. Apart from the strangeness of the flood phenomenon, the disengagement of Noah from apparently useful employments in order to build the ark (without existing prototype) is uncommon. The revelation of God's agenda in every believer's life, family and nation demands certain actions of faith. And without faith, it would be impossible to disengage from human fear to trust the Lord with unreasonable engagements.