When faith is reduced to an abstract concept, a spiritual dynamic, or positive thinking, it becomes blind. Approaching faith in these ways strips it down to an impersonal and human-based belief-ism.
True faith in God must be personal. It is based in relationship with God not beliefs about Him. Are theological beliefs important? Of course! But they are what we believe about God.
Faith is a personal trust in God Himself. Who He is and what He's promised in response to our trust in Him (Heb 11:6).
This is the faith Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph had that enabled them to see beyond their own lives. It was a faith focused on God whom they trusted with confidence. Their trust in God opened their eyes to see what other did not see.
Scripture
When God tested Abraham, faith led him to offer his son Isaac. Abraham, the one who received the promises from God, was willing to offer his only son as a sacrifice. God had said to him, “Through Isaac your descendants will carry on your name.”
Abraham believed that God could bring Isaac back from the dead. Abraham did receive Isaac back from the dead in a figurative sense. [vss 17-19]
Faith led Isaac to bless Jacob and Esau. While Jacob was dying, faith led him to bless each of Joseph’s sons. He leaned on the top of his staff and worshiped God.
While Joseph was dying, faith led him to speak about the Israelites leaving Egypt and give them instructions about burying his bones. [vss 20-22]
(Hebrews 11:17-23 GW) [Context– Hebrews 11]
Key phrase—
While Joseph was dying, faith led him to speak about the Israelites leaving Egypt
Digging Deeper...
Review the Scriptures above as you answer the following questions
What are we told faith led Abraham to do? How could faith lead him to do this?
Why was Abraham willing to sacrifice his son after waiting 25 years for Isaac to be born?
Who blesses whom and what do each of these blessings have in common?
What did Joseph tell the Israelites to do and why? Why was this important to Joseph?
Reflection...
Many people can't get beyond wondering why God would ask Abraham to sacrifice his son. They imagine God as barbaric. Why? Because they can't think beyond their own feelings and reason. I spoke about this in another post— A Father's Sacrifice.
Faith is a matter of trust not reason. When we can't see beyond our own feelings and logic we can't trust. This makes us spiritually blind.
The nature of faith enables us to see beyond what is obvious and observable by others. It is not blind but sees God and trusts in Him. So, is it risky to trust in God? It depends on how you view God and His nature.
God's legacy is seen in those who trust in Him with their lives. Those who trust in Him without reserve like Abraham are the true offspring of God. Each person has a legacy not of themselves but of those who are their offspring—both natural born and spiritually born.
Make it personal...
Read through the Scripture text again as you consider and answer these questions
How is the testing of Abraham's faith relatable to the original hearers (readers) of the book of Hebrews and us now?
How are the blessings Isaac and Jacob spoke related to the promise of God to Abraham?
What is your legacy of faith? How has and does your faith influence and impact others?
In what ways do you trust God beyond your fears, doubts, and human reasoning?
©2017—Word-Strong
Here's a free introduction for the book of Hebrews— Intro to studying Hebrews