Without us...

One of the lectionary readings for this week is the second half of Hebrews 11. The father of a friend of ours says that the reading of the bible is not for children – in parts it should be x-rated. Read the second half of Hebrews 11, and you might agree.

I never really pay that much attention to the bulk of that chapter. It usually fades into non-existence under the shining light of the first verse: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Once I read that, the rest is just blah blah blah.

But today, thanks to the Disciplines devotion, I took a better look at the chapter, especially the last half. I noticed that it can be divided into three parts:

1. The first section speaks of the escape of the Israelites from Egypt, the defeat of Jericho and Rahab’s faith. All three of these are examples of victory at the hand of God, delivered to God’s faithful servants. Wow, we say. Great.
2. Lest we become too complacent, read the next section. Here you realize that the faithful have been mocked, flogged, chained, imprisoned, stoned, sawn in two (!!!), killed by the sword, and went around destitute, persecuted and tormented, living in caves and holes in the ground. Oh.
3. These last few verses were the ones which really struck me. Verses 39 and 40: Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better so that they would not, apart from us, be made perfect.

When we trust in God, he can use us for glorious purposes – for advancements in his kingdom here on earth that will be remembered through the generations. I think also, though, that this scripture speaks against the currently popular prosperity theology – God will grant me wealth if I have faith in him and ask for it. His faithful are rarely the most comfortable people around, and sometimes we will suffer for our stand with God. He does not desire it; he does not make it come to pass, but our fellow human beings can be horribly cruel. As can we.

But the most interesting part of the scripture, for me, was the last part. All of these – the Israelites, Rahab, the faithful in the early church – have been promised something better. And so have we. Our participating in God’s plan is necessary to make the plan whole. Perfect. Our lives are written on the same page by God. Just as he used Rahab, he uses us. Just as he had plans for the Israelites, he has plans for us. Just as the early Christians were necessary in the building of the church, so are we.

Apart from us, the plan will not be complete – will not be whole – will not be perfect.

Images: MY BATTERIES ARE BACK! Windows from the Ashland Sanctuary this evening with the sun shining through. White flowers from Ritter Park.