Hebrews 11:32–40 “The Reality of the One Who Believes”

Hebrews 11:32-40 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Refiner – Maverick City Music
• Christ is Enough – Hillsong Worship
• Leeland – Way Maker

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• Gideon’s 300 Men – Lesson for Kids
• Leaning on the Everlasting Arms | Roar VBS | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• God is for Me | HLA Babylon | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Jesus Loves Me Remix |@CJandFriends Dance-A-Long with Lyrics – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

The author could endlessly continue the stories of those who lived by faith. Since this letter was intended to be read aloud when the community of faith gathered, due to time constraints, the author instead chooses to list the names of key figures (v. 32). The author also enumerates what they did by faith—namely, their victories in battle (“conquered kingdoms,” “became powerful in battle,” “routed foreign armies”), their protection from danger (“shut the mouths of lions,” “quenched the fury of the flames,” “escaped the edge of the sword”), and their lives lived according to God’s will (“administered justice,” “gained what was promised,” “whose weakness was turned to strength”) (vv. 33–34).

When the author writes, “Women received back their dead, raised to life again” (v. 35), he is likely thinking of Sarah, Rahab, the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:17–24), and the Shunammite woman (2 Kings 4:32–37). Those who were tortured and refused to be released may have included Daniel and his three friends. In addition, many people suffered greatly for their faith during the intertestamental period between the Old and New Testaments, with the story of the Maccabean brothers being a representative example. The author lists the various kinds of suffering they endured (vv. 36–37).

The Revised New Korean Standard Version (RNKSV) translates verse 38 as, “The world was not worthy of them,” whereas the New Korean Revised Version renders it, “The world was not able to handle such people.” The reason believers suffer in this world is not because they are lesser or weaker than the world, but because they are greater and higher than the world. That is why believers cannot be truly at ease until they find rest in the kingdom of God. It is only natural that those who live by faith will experience discomfort and rejection in this world.

Here, the author says, “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised” (v. 39). Enduring all suffering and persecution through faith and finishing the race is certainly a worthy reason to be recognized as commendable. However, during their lifetimes, they did not receive “what was promised”—namely, the rest in the kingdom of God. This does not mean their life of faith was in vain, but rather, it was because of God’s greater redemptive plan (v. 40: “God had planned something better for us”). God planned to fulfill the salvation they longed for through Jesus Christ (“so that only together with us would they be made perfect”).

Meditation:

The concluding words of the author of Hebrews, as he wraps up the stories of those who lived by faith, deeply resonate with the heart. He explains that the reason people of faith suffer in this world is because they believe in and live for a world that is greater and better than this one. It’s like a large person trying to fit into a tiny doghouse, something doesn’t belong. A believer lives for a purpose that is higher and greater than what the visible world offers. That is why life in this world often feels uncomfortable and even burdensome.

Furthermore, the world tends to reject and try to remove those who live by faith, because their presence exposes the sinfulness of others. In a world that says, “Let’s just go along to get along,” and encourages compromise with sin, living a holy and righteous life is no easy task.

Those who live by faith may receive “commendation for their faith” in this life but do not yet receive “what was promised.” At first glance, this might seem contradictory. Those who live by faith experience the reality of God’s kingdom here on earth. They receive glimpses—partial and occasional—of the promised blessings. However, the complete and eternal fulfillment of “what was promised” will only come when Jesus Christ returns and brings about the new heaven and new earth.

Until the eternal kingdom we believe in and hope for fully arrives, the promises remain incomplete. If we do not understand this in advance, it’s easy to grow weary and fall behind on the faith journey. To believe means to enjoy the presence of God’s kingdom here and now and continue journeying toward its full realization.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for giving us a foretaste and guarantee of eternal life in the new heaven and new earth through the Holy Spirit. As we hope for the eternal kingdom of God, we choose to live out that kingdom here on earth today. By your power and hope, help us to rejoice even in discomfort, loss, rejection, and persecution in this present world. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Even when life is hard or people don’t understand us, we can keep living by faith because we believe in something greater—God’s eternal kingdom. We may not receive everything now, but God promises something better that lasts forever.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • Who in the Bible trusted God even when it was hard?
  • Can you think of a time when you did something right even though it wasn’t easy?
  • How can we show faith in God even when things don’t go our way?
• For Youth
  • The people in Hebrews 11 were commended for their faith, even though they didn’t receive all that was promised in this life. How does that encourage or challenge you?
  • In what ways do you think living as a Christian can make you feel uncomfortable in your school or social life?
  • How can remembering God’s eternal promises help you stay strong in your faith today?