"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for,
the convictions of things not seen." (Hebrews 1:1)

Hebrews 11 is the faith chapter. It defines faith and gives a multitude of ways in which faith has been practically expressed. Behind the whole chapter of course is a summons to faith; an encouragement and motivation to live the same happy possibility in our own lives as those that have come before us. We are not to look at this chapter as a kind of wax museum that is to be observed from afar but never truly entered into. This chapter rather is a summons to become a relative in the family tree of faith; to embrace a God centered trust that leads to a bold kind of God centered lifestyle. Of course; to enjoy this kind of faith, we must know their God personally.

For the original recipients of this letter; "what was seen," was horrendous. Persecution and difficulty had meant that many had given away their Christian commitment; they had "drawn back," from the faith that they called too, and this had little positive outcomes. Instead the writer calls me and you too return to the Lord who is unseen and was unseen by our ancestors with the expectation that we will enjoy similar rewards to that which they experienced.

Grace and peace from Marcus