The Conviction of Things Not Seen

Text: Hebrews 11:1-12

Reflection and Question: This passage holds a profound truth that anchors my Christian life, the short definition of faith: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” A long list of examples from the Hebrew tradition follows this definition and gives us a picture of what faith is like. Given all the conflict, violence, anger and punishment that fills the Bible, my conviction that God is lovingkindness is a matter of faith. I find that if things get too certain for me, I begin to worry and to look for the edge of hope in things unseen. How do you live by faith?

Prayer: O God, You knit us in our mothers’ wombs. From those who came before us we know that Your approval rests upon those who live by faith, by the conviction of things not seen. Through our faith, as of old, give us power to do Your will. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).