Three times, three men of faith

Monday 22 March 2021

Three times, three men of faith

It was by faith that Abel offered a greater sacrifice to God than that of Cain ; it is thanks to her that he was declared jute, for God approved his offerings, and it is through her that he still speaks even though he is dead. Hebrews 11: 4

It was because of his faith that Enoch was taken to escape death. Hebrews 11: 5

It was by faith that Noah, warning of unseen events and filled with reverent awe, built an ark to save his family. Hebrews 11: 7

The first three witnesses to faith mentioned in chapter 11 of Hebrews, the chapter on active faith, invite us to look to the past, present and future.

Abel is the first witness mentioned. He manifests his faith by drawing near to God through the blood of sacrifice. For us Christians, this sacrifice evokes the past. He speaks of Christ's sacrifice at Golgotha, accomplished once and for all (Hebrews 7:27). Although dead, Abel still speaks to us today. His message reminds us of this : one can approach God only through sacrifice. We know which one, that of Jesus Christ on the cross.

Enoch tells us about the present : by faith he walks with God for 300 years (Genesis 5:24). It pleases God (Hebrews 11: 5) in the midst of an ungodly generation like ours. One of the consequences is that Enoch does not pass through death: He was not found, because God had taken him. Thus Enoch was able to continue in heaven his fellowship with God on earth. During his life, Enoch announces the judgment that God will execute by the flood (Jude 14,15). Likewise, our true and genuine walk with God announces the coming judgment of God against unbelievers in our time.

Noah invites us to look ahead, to a new world, purified by judgment. Divinely warned of what was not yet visible, that is to say the flood, he obeyed a command from God which seemed foolish to his fellow citizens : he built an ark to save his family. Because of his faith and obedience, his family is kept alive in the ark, safe from judgment.

So by faith, we draw near to God, we walk with him, we hope in him.

Source (Pleasing the Lord)