It's all by faith, the writer of Hebrews says. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. (Heb. 11:2 NIV) History surrounds us with examples of great men of faith. From Abel to the prophets: Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, the prostitute Rahab, Gideon, Samson, David, Samuel, the list goes on and on of those who believed God for something better than what they could see with their mortal eyes. they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. - Heb. 11:16 NIV
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. - Heb. 11:39-40
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. - Heb. 12:1-2
It is in the context of what God has planned for all that believe, that faith manifests itself. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Heb. 1:1 KJV ) It is what all of the ancients, the patriarchs, the prophets, the early believers possessed. Their faith was not based on the physical world, but based on God's promise. All those who have gone on before are waiting for the fulfilment of the same promise. For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. - Heb. 13:14 NIV
The only way to please God is to believe that what he has promised, what he has in store for us is true and will come to pass. One described by the writer of Hebrews as a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire.” - Heb 12:18-29 NIV
A kingdom that cannot be shaken is waiting for those whose faith cannot be shaken.
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