Hebrews 11:8-10 Faith is perseverance in laying a new foundation towards the next revival

Hebrews 11:8-10

By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was (about) to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; 10 for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

Background

Abraham was a man of faith at many levels. He obeyed God even though he did not know the full picture. He stuck to the course even when life got really tough. He was able to perceive and build the spiritual foundations leading to an enduring city. Today’s passage teaches us to focus on laying the spiritual foundation and to let God lead one day at a time.

Observation

By faith Abraham, when he was called…

Abraham demonstrated faith not just in obedience, but in laying a new foundation towards the next revival. It is hard to obey when you do not know what the next step is. Abraham was called to leave his hometown to go to a place that was not immediately revealed to him: and he went out, not knowing where he was going. It is a great challenge to obey when life gets tough and results are not forthcoming. When Abraham arrived in the land of promise expecting to see a place where they could immediately settle in, they were instead treated as foreigners with no rights to the land. Thus, Abraham and his family had to dwell in portable tents without a permanent abode, moving from place to place. Abraham displayed faith when the obvious reasons to stay on course were not apparent.

10 for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

The Greek form of foundations is themelious, which means the elementary beginnings of something. Apparently, this city that Abraham was to inherit was just having its foundations laid by God. Abraham did not occupy the land immediately and live life like the rest of the natives did. For Abraham and his family were about to inherit a city whose very foundations stands on the worship of God and His values system – a kingdom whose builder and ruler is God. The foundations were not physical infrastructure that undergirded the city, but spiritual truths and the commandments of God. Abraham and his descendants lived among the natives and demonstrated a lifestyle befitting the children of God.

Truth

Faith is trusting God to lead a day at a time. Most people are not at peace if they do not know the future. Even if God reveals to them their future, they may not believe Him nor submit to His plans. Why doesn’t God reveal the future and all that is in His mind? It is because He wants His people to live without the burden of planning and worrying about tomorrow. God’s predestination over our destiny does not change, but His day-to-day operations may. Therefore, living by the day under God’s guidance is the most effective and efficient way to live; it is also the most optimum path towards breakthrough and victory. Another reason God does not reveal His plans in entirety is the believers’ lack of maturity, for they do not yet possess sufficient faith to obey. However, to those who are faithful and mature, God reveals His plans. Amos 3:7 say, “Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets.” Therefore, the believer must meditate on the Word daily and do exactly what God says. And God in His time will reveal His plans to us so that we could participate in His work at an intimate level. He will in time grant us charge over His angels.

New revolutions and revivals of the future require new ideals and new foundations that must first be laid. Revolutions and revivals have long incubation periods. As new revolutions and revivals have values systems and ideals that are diametrically different to existing ones, it requires first for old foundations to be broken down. Therefore, new foundations involve tearing down old foundations and laying new ones among people who are pliable and receptive to change. Most people prefer to build on existing foundations and paradigms so that they can reap the harvest in the quickest time possible. Building new foundations and treading unchartered territories take too long to bear fruit. However, people who do not live for themselves but for the dreams of the Spirit will build new foundations. Those who dare to re-examine the sacred cows of human understanding and structures, who hold fast to the ideals of Jesus Christ will birth forth new revivals. Therefore, if God has called you to build a new foundation towards a revival, count it all joy when you face diverse rejections in your endeavor of breaking down old foundations. Although you do not see immediate results, but the coming revival will be very great.

The foundations that prosper an individual or a nation are not physical but spiritual. The foundations of an enduring city are built on the foundations of spiritual principles. A city built on the foundations of natural resources will one day collapse when the resources run out. But resources built on the foundation of the Holy Spirit are infinite and knows no bounds. The nation of Singapore is one example of a city that is built on the foundation of the Spirit. The following are the foundations:

–           Mercy: every family must own a home and everything a governor does must revolve around the people.

–           Justice: a mandate to rule with righteous governance and zero tolerance for corruption.

–           Humility: a willingness to improve and do what works in a rapidly changing society.

Without spiritual foundations, natural resources become a crutch that would only set a nation back. For nations like Africa, Myanmar and Malaysia, even with an abundance of natural resources could not effectively utilize them for the progress of their people. Therefore, we must do all to build the spiritual foundation of the young. In so doing, the nation will reap its benefits for many decades to come.

Application

1. Do you often feel anxious because of uncertainties and the fear of making wrong decisions? Learn to live a day at a time in obedience to His word. By reading God’s word and communing with His Spirit, we develop clarity to understand His plans.
2. How do you evaluate your spiritual foundation? Which virtue do you find yourself lacking in? Here is a list of the virtues: Personal discipline, patience, self-control, trust, mercy, confidence, faithfulness and faith? Request your mentor to help you strengthen the virtue that is most lacking.

Dear Lord, I desire to be a man/woman of faith and be used by you to build a spiritual foundation towards a new revival. Mold me and prepare me for such a task. Strengthen me in the discipline of obedience and the reading of your word. Cleanse me of the sins that hinder me: the pride of life, the lust of the flesh and the sin of unbelief. Enable me to experience the freedom of a Spirit-filled life. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.