Happy 2009 to all. I think my server isn't letting all brother Tom's devotionals get through to me. God Bless
Samuel D. High
sdhigh@aristotle.net
-----Original Message-----
From: Apostle Tom <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Sent: Mon, 5 Jan 2009 18:37:18 -0600
To: <pressingon@hotmail.com>
Subject: Morning Manna (Jan. 6); BP: Heb. 11; RBTTY: Mt. 5:27-48; Gen. 16-17
January 6 &n bsp; “Faith’s Embracing”
“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off and were persuaded of them and embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth—for they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.”
Hebrews 11:13-14
It’s embracing the eternal and resting in the Unseen. . .knowing that the One Who called you will one day welcome you Home (Mt. 25:21, 23; II Cor. 4:16-5:8).
“These all died in faith, not having received the promises.”
How do you feel when you read these words, Pilgrim? What relevance or application do they have for you in what you’re going through right now? Do they uplift you or depress you? Do the words “not having received the promises”—i.e., not being able to see/touch what you’ve been deeply longing for—move you to praise or self-pity?
There’s no doubt the ones being talked about in our Manna were people of faith; otherwise they’d not have been included in this beautiful “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11. Although most are unnamed, they were people of prayer as well. And, that’s why we should spend considerable time in “righteous rumination” on the deep, wondrous truths contained herein.
The Greek word “lambano” is used here for “received” and basically means “to get hold of, lay one’s hands on, to seize, catch, obtain, realize, etc.” Thus, it’s a tangible result of one’s faith, hopes and dreams.
How wonderful it is when we pray specifically for something or someone and God answers that prayer in a specific, visible, tangible way. But, so often, so many of our prayers seem “unanswered.” We pray specifically. . .believing with all of our hearts “we have not because we ask not” (James 4:2) and “the prayer of mustard-seed faith can move mountains” (Mt. 17:20; James 5:13-18).
But, nothing happens.
Or, so it seems.
That loved one is still rebellious and unhearing of our pleas. That friend is still sick and dying on his hospital bed—or has already died and been buried. The bills keep mounting up and the bill collector’s phone calls become more frequent. . .even though you’ve continued to give a tithe and offering to the Lord in spite of it all.
So, where’s God in all of this?
The answer?
The same place He’s always been, Pilgrim. Right there with you. Holding you close to His Heart. Whispering His Promises to you. You may not “have received them” (yet). But, activate your faith and “be persuaded (convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt) of them and embrace them by faith as though they were a present reality.”
The secret is faith. . .childlike trust. . .in Who He is and What He has promised (Heb. 11:6). “Declare plainly” that you’re a Pilgrim and you’re headed Home (v.13). Then, by faith, live like you’re already there, rejoicing in the fact that the Heavenly Father knew what you needed and supplied it in His own time and way (Rom. 8:28).
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