Hebrews 11:38a (NIV) - “…the world was not worthy of them.”
This short verse is a brief commentary that the author of Hebrews gives to the accounts of faith by the ancients (biblical characters). It is quite unique how faith is placed in so high a level that the world was not even deserving of it. It makes you wonder how precious and how much worth faith is placed in a person’s life over against other things - like character building, self accomplishments, education, etc.
Honestly, this verse is also quite disturbing, because it bids the reader to consider his or her own value system. In the scale of our personal inward lives, where is faith valued in comparison to other things we hold as important? Is faith above or below our sense of accomplishment, even a sense of duty as honorable as it may be? Perhaps, we need to reconsider and repent and turn to Christ once again.
The ancients had faith in Christ and it was said that the world was not worthy of them. We also have the same faith in Jesus Christ, so let us be rekindled in this passion and ask the Spirit to change our mindset, our own value system.
As you recall from the message, think about the 10 people that died instantly from the bombing attack in Tajikistan. Although the descriptions of their death were quite horrific, the Lord saw it fit for the church to experience such immense difficulties - the world was not worthy of their faith.
Response and Prayer: Spirit of God, please fill me and transform my mind and my value system. Help me to hold on to faith as most precious, especially when I’m challenged to think otherwise during pressure and stress. In the end, help me to never let go of faith in you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Sing in response: “Miracles” by Jesus Culture
-MK
