BELIEF / UNBELIEF - we pick up the entourage of faith characters with the exodus and vignettes from the conquest of the land. These events, too, the writer suggests have happened as a result of faith. In each of the episodes the contrast is made between the faith of Israel and the unbelief of Israel’s opponents. Believing, the Israelites walked through the sea just like it was dry ground; the Egyptians drowned. Believing, the Israelites captured Jericho; the inhabitants perished. Believing, Rahab sided with Israel and she and her family was spared; the disobedient (unbelieving) inhabitants of Jericho were destroyed. [1]

THEY DIDN’T RECEIVE THE PROMISE - In one sense, of course, these faithful people did receive promises in their lifetimes, but by this far in the faith narrative it becomes clear that there is a larger, forward trajectory of faith (eschatological) that resides in the unfolding purpose of God. In that sense, these faithful people did not receive the promise; God’s purpose includes all generations and the promise that through the priestly intercession of the Son, we will all share in "something better," the completion of our pilgrimage toward God and to stand in the very presence of God.

ENDURANCE - We’ve seen many faces come before us in this exhaustive list of faithful pilgrims. Now one face comes to the fore, toward which the writer has been moving as the completion of the promise-Jesus. In Christ, we have exemplified a faith that is enduring-even to the point of death. We are called not for death but for endurance. Even the cross was something that was to be endured (12:2).

Seems like endurance has been nixed from our value lists in post-modern America. We value the triumph of intuition, feeling, freedom, immediate gratification, and self-expression. Where is endurance on your virtue list?

What have you, with God’s strength and guidance, endured through your journey?

Consider using Hebrews 11 and 12:1-3 as a springboard in the more general topic of endurance. This, according to commentators, lies behind the writings of the faithful in chapter 11. Through their faith they were willing to endure anything and everything.

You might also visit Sir Ernst Shakleton and the incredible voyage of the ENDURANCE. This is a remarkable story, recently made into a documentary film that can be rented from local DVD / video stores. What a powerful story of endurance.

Draw on Victor Frankl’s experience in the Nazi concentration camps and how he was able to endure through envisioning a better future.

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[1] The New Interpreter’s Bible XII (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1998), page 142.