The Hall of Faith

Hebrews 11:39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

39 Καὶ οὗτοι πάντες μαρτυρηθέντες διὰ τῆς πίστεως οὐκ ἐκομίσαντο τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν, 40  τοῦ θεοῦ περὶ ἡμῶν κρεῖττόν τι προβλεψαμένου, ἵνα μὴ χωρὶς ἡμῶν τελειωθῶσιν.

This ends Hebrews 11, which is sometimes called the "Hall of Faith," kind of like Cooperstown, NY houses the Baseball Hall of Fame.  Here we read about the great saints of the Old Testament who were faithful.  You don't have to read much of Genesis to see some striking stories of faith.  These folks serve to inspire us.  They inspire me because as I look at their whole lives as portrayed in Scripture I see that they struggle with sin like I do.  Yet here we see them commended for their faith.

But what I want to focus on is the ἡμῶν κρεῖττόν τι  that God provided.  What is better for us?  Christ.  He is better than any of the sacrifices in the Old Testament.  He is the perfect sacrifice for sin.  He is the perfect man.  He is the perfect example for us. It is only by His blood that we can be free.

Keep this in mind as you go about your day.  Our natural inclination is toward the Law.  We want to curry favor with God through our lives.  At least I know that I do.  However, Christ already came as the perfect sacrifice for sins.  We can find true freedom and hope through Him.

Do you know Him?  Have you accepted this precious gift of "something better?"