What is your testimony?

Hebrews 11:2 For by it the men of old gained approval. Chapter 11 of Hebrews is often thought of as the hall of the faithful. It’s one testimony after another of men and women who were led by God to do amazing deeds. He called them “men of old,” and of course, the term “men” is an inclusive generic term in this case. Why are these specific men of old in the author’s mind? Why is their testimony, after all of these centuries, still remembered? This verse answers that question. They have this enduring testimony because of the faith God gave them. That’s what is meant by “gained approval.”  At the end of chapter 10, I hope you’ll remember he encouraged them to love and good deeds by reminding them of the faith God had given them. “But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul” (vs. 39). It’s faith that gives them confidence to keep on drawing near to God for the grace they need to obey and love with Jesus. After giving them direct encouragement to believe and draw near, in chapter 11, he provided examples from the Scriptures of righteous men and women who lived and were known by the faith God gave them for His glory.  The aim of the writer wasn’t to encourage his readers to praise these men because they were good men who did the right thing. His aim was to combat the sin of unbelief by fanning the flame of faith that God ignited in their hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit. Today, I encourage you that you also may obtain a similar testimony or witness in this world by drawing near to God’s throne of grace to receive mercy and grace to love with Jesus. By the way, that is exactly what the author did with his readers in the beginning verses of chapter 12. We’ll revisit that encouragement when we get there. Today, I want you to see where the author was going, so you can apply it today. If you are righteous before God, then He has given you faith to trust in Jesus. You believe Jesus gives you 24/7/365 access to the Father, so you won’t shrink back when the going gets tough. You’ll abide in Jesus. You’ll go to Him for grace today so His life can shine through your love and good deeds as He gives you grace. Do you get it? That’s living to love with Jesus! That’s the testimony you want to have in this world for the glory of God.