Sunday, February 1, 2015
Hebrews 11: 8-16
“By faith Abraham…set out, not knowing where he was going.”
The writer of Hebrews makes an interesting theological move in our reading for today. Writing to an audience steeped in Jewish traditions, the author justifies the authenticity of the new Jesus movement. In this famous section on the heroes of faith, the writer downplays the possession of land as a marker of divine favor. Even Abraham, he notes, once he set up his tent in the “Promised Land,” knew that his stay was temporary. Instead he “looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (v. 10).
The author is surely trying to make sense of a Jewish people who no longer had ownership of their land, and the obvious success and spread of Christianity around the Mediterranean basin (outside of the region supposedly promised by God). Following Jesus, he seems to be saying, is less about real estate and more about relationship.
I am both challenged and comforted by today’s reading. Don’t we all have some vision of a “Promised Land”? Job & financial security, family flourishing, meaningful romantic relationships, signficant recognition. For our churches, don’t we often long for more members, and more money? We can all fill in the blank for our pet visions and dreams. Abraham’s story calls those visions into question because they are too small. Abraham’s vision of God transcends conventional boundaries and markers of success.
Where, in our personal lives and in our churches, are we too comfortable? Where are we too attached to success? Like Abraham, can we listen for God’s leading in a new direction, not knowing exactly where we are going?
Where, in our personal lives and in our churches, do we experience the most dis-ease and pain? Can we find comfort, not in outer harmony but inner peace?
Abraham’s God, it seems, is the one who afflicts the comfortable and comforts the afflicted.
- David Shumaker
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