“Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword.” Hebrews 11:36-37a
In Hebrews 11, the author writes to explain faith, citing many examples from scripture. The author mentions names we remember – Noah, Abraham, and Moses. In yesterday’s passage, the author holds up lesser-known examples, who, because of their faith, accomplished great things: winning battles, quenching fires, and bringing justice. And then we have today’s examples of faith, which are hard to swallow. I doubt any among us would sign up for a faith that would result in our being mocked, flogged, stoned to death, or sawn in two.
This time of year, I often think of Christmases past. I remember traditions from my childhood and family members who are no longer here. I remember not wanting to miss worship during Advent because I couldn’t wait to see the Advent wreath brighter than the week before. I look around and wish I could be a child once again, full of hope and wonder. As we ponder Christ coming to us as an innocent baby, it’s easy for us to desire a “faith like a child.” But perhaps this year I’ll continue to contemplate the examples of the martyrs of faith laid out for us in Hebrews 11. We know that a life of faith does not promise a life free of suffering. So when we face suffering and persecution, we must cling to our faith, the “assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). For just like our ancestors in faith, we trust that our reward comes later.
Prayer: Dear God, help us to trust in you, especially in the hard times. Thank you for giving us your Son, who understands and eases our suffering. Amen
Margaret Monroe