June 21 – Daily Devotional

31 May June 21 – Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE BOOK OF HEBREWS

BY FAITH – PART IV

Hebrews 11:6 “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.”

Today’s devotional verse draws together the last two verses of Hebrews 11.  The without faith refers to Cain.  If you remember, Cain’s sacrifice was not accepted by God because it was not offered in faith.  Cain wanted recognition of his sacrifice because of his own effort of offering it.

On the other hand, Enoch believed in God throughout His life.  Hebrews 11:5 says, “He was commended (because) he pleased God.  Moses, in Genesis 5:24 wrote that Enoch “walked faithfully with God.”  From the context and what we learn about Enoch’s life, he did so throughout his long earthly life.

Since faith was lacking on the part of Cain, he was unable to please God.  Enoch, on the other hand, because of His faith pleased God.  These two statements are then brought together at the end of verse 6, “anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”  Although these words might sound like God rewards someone solely by their good works, these words actually say first comes faith and out of faith flows works that please God.

These words found here in Hebrews apply to your own worship of God.  As you come into His presence in your church God looks for two things.  First, Do you believe in Him?  This is more than a belief in the theoretical existence of God.  This is a faith that believes He is your personal God who has created you, provides all you need for body, mind, soul and spirit and His Son Jesus is your Lord and Savior who has removed your sins and prepared the way for you to come into God’s presence with boldness and confidence.

Coming to God with this faith God then rewards you, not because of what you have done but because you believe and trust in Him.  (First Commandment)  God in His grace and mercy gives you the gift of faith that reaches out like a hand to receive all of His good gifts to meet your earthly and spiritual needs.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I pray to You this day through the faith You have given me knowing that I depend entirely upon You and Your good gifts.  Do for me this day as You know best.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

I know my faith is founded On Jesus Christ, my God and Lord;

And this my faith confessing, Unmoved I stand on His sure Word.

Our reason cannot fathom The truth of God profound;

Who trusts in human wisdom Relies on shifting ground.

God’s Word is all-sufficient, It makes divinely sure;

And trusting in His wisdom, My faith shall rest secure.

Increase my faith, dear Savior, for Satan seeks by night and day

To rob me of this treasure And take my hope of bliss away.

But, Lord, with You beside me, I shall be undismayed;

And led by Your good Spirit, I shall be unafraid.

Abide with me, O Savior, A firmer faith bestow;

Then I shall bid defiance To ev’ry evil foe.

In faith, Lord, let me serve You; Though persecution, grief, and pain

Should seek to overwhelm me, Let me a steadfast trust retain;

And then at my departure, Lord, take me home to You,

Your richest to inherit As all you said holds true.

In life and death, Lord, keep me Until Your heav’n I gain,

Where I by Your great mercy The end of faith attain.

(LSB 587)