Sight Unseen

Hebrews 11:1-12
As we begin a new year we may naturally find ourselves looking back at where we have been and what we have done in recent months. We may find ourselves assessing various events, taking stock of our accomplishments, weighing our successes against our failures. Hopefully, however, we will also take time to look ahead into the new year and beyond, considering all that is possible, all that lies before us, the places we may go and the things we may do. And as we look forward perhaps we might reflect on a verse from our epistle lesson for today: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

Each of us may hope for a number of things: good health, improved financial wellbeing, success for our children, a new job, a nice vacation. But when it comes to matters of faith there is more to it than being hopeful. The writer of Hebrews says faith is not simply something desired but an “assurance” and a “conviction” that the thing hoped for will come to pass. We may hope for a raise in pay¬¬––and even feel fairly confident we will get it––but there can be no certainty as long the raise depends on human action. What the writer of Hebrews is talking about are hopes based on the word of God, on promises that take their shape in divine action, in matters that transcend life itself. These are factors that really cannot be seen, but because of who God is we have faith—absolute certainty—in their veracity.

What do we hope for in the coming year, and how much of it is based on what we know God to be doing in the world and in our lives? It is worth some reflection because what we believe will go a long way in determining how we live, and how we live is of great importance.

Prayer: God of truth, in whom we believe, help us to live are people of faith so that we may do the work of your coming reign. In Jesus’ name. Amen.