Hebrews 11:1–3 (ESV)
By
Faith
11 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For
by it the people of old received their commendation. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
We have heard that faith is believing in what you cannot see. Today’s reading states: “Now faith
is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” The Apology states: “Faith is not only knowledge in the intellect, but also confidence
in the will” (Ap V 183).” “If anyone wants a distinction between faith and hope, we say that the object of hope is properly a future event, but that faith is concerned with future and present things. Faith receives the forgiveness
of sins offered in the promise in the present” (Ap V 191). Luth: “One of the noblest and most precious virtues of faith is to close one’s eyes to this, ingenuously to desist from exploring the why and the wherefore, and cheerfully to leave
everything to God. Faith does not insist on knowing the reason for God’s actions, but it still regards God as the greatest goodness and mercy. Faith holds to that against and beyond all reason, sense, and experience, when everything appears to be wrath and injustice” (AE 43:52).[1]
I pray: O Lord, although I can’t see you, I believe in you. You tell Doubting Thomas “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have
not seen and yet have believed.” Lord, I believe! Amen.