An example to follow

Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance. For example, there was God’s promise to Abraham. Since there was no one greater to swear by, God took an oath in his own name, saying: “I will certainly bless you, and I will multiply your descendants beyond number.” Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised. Hebrews 6:12-15 NLT

From the text, the writer of Hebrews was reminding the believers that we have the propensity to “become spiritually dull and indifferent.” This is why we are exhorted to “follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.” Then, the writer cited Abraham’s example of faith and endurance. God made a promise to Abraham that He will bless him and that through his offspring, nations will be blessed (see Genesis 12:1-3). But how can this be when he and Sara are already in their seventies? Then years had passed after they left Haran and God’s promise of a child has not come to a reality. God visited Abraham and assured him of His promise. We do not know how many times Abraham doubted God’s promise yet God commended his faith. “And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith” (Genesis 15:6). Abraham trusted God’s Word and his faith was counted righteous for it was purely based in resting upon God and not to his meritorious works. Through several tests, Abraham had proven that he has faith in God. This is the reason why the writer of Hebrews wants the readers to look for example of faith and endurance found in God’s Word. “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope” (Romans 15:4). The source of our confidence and our sure hope stems from our belief that God is faithful. God and His Word are more than enough by themselves. Just like Abraham, we can count on God fulfilling His promises. The more we grow in confidence to God’s promises, the more we become strong in our resolve to live our lives for His glory. God’s promises are a firm anchor for our soul.

Blessings,