Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1).

A little child, washing up before dinner, was overheard muttering: "Germs and Jesus. Germs and Jesus. That's all I hear, and I've never seen either one of them." The parents had likely never seen a germ either, yet they sent their child to wash their hands before eating. Their belief that germs existed, caused them to insist on cleanliness for their child.

In Hebrews, we find a chapter dedicated to faith. Christianity is a matter of faith, yet mostly, faith is assumed rather than explained or defined in the Bible. This chapter, being one of the rare exceptions, will be our focus for Wilderness Wanderings for the following weeks.

So far, the author of Hebrews has had one objective: to portray Jesus more worthy of our worship and faith than any who have come before because God’s revelation and redemption are complete in him. Jesus saves powerfully and completely. He is worthy of our faith.

Now, the author writes, faith is the beginning, the root of the Christian life. Like roots are to a giant oak, like footings are to a house, faith is to the Christian. The whole of the Christian life is built on this faith. Christians believe that God is at work behind the scenes of history preparing a hew heavens and earth, something we cannot yet see. This is what we hope for. Faith is believing what we cannot see; and living by that faith.

Here a short story that helps us see. Jesse Jackson recalls his first day of sixth grade. The teacher, Miz Shelton, began writing long unknown words on the blackboard. Looking around, the students started whispering to each other, 'She got the wrong class. She thinks we the eighth-grade class.' Somebody finally called out, 'Uh, Miz Shelton? Those are eighth-grade words. We only the sixth grade.

She turned around. 'I know what grade you are. I work here. And you'll learn every one of these words, and a lot more like them, before this year is over. I will not teach down to you. One of you little brats just might be mayor or governor, or even President, some day, and I'm gonna make sure you'll be ready.’

Miz Shelton had no idea if any of her students might amount to anything. Christian faith is different. It is based on the work God has done and the promises he has made. All the folks we will explore in this chapter based their actions on the work and promises of God. We cannot see what God has in store, but with faith we reach for it. Faith informs how we live. Thus, it’s the foundation of the Christian life.

Hebrews 11 is the great faith chapter in the Bible. This magnificent passage of Scripture was written to encourage the new believers to hold steadfastly to their Messiah in unwavering faith. Faith is not shelter against difficulties, but belief in the face of all contradictions. Faith in God’s promises to us in Christ, enable us to live for him, despite the trials that come along the way.

As you journey on, go with the blessing of God:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you: wherever he may send you. May he guide you through the wilderness: protect you through the storm. May he bring you home rejoicing; at the wonders he has shown you. May he bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.