This past Sunday we looked into Hebrews 11:13-16.  We have been looking in-depth at the faith-walk.  The working out of faith in the lives of those who have gone before us.  This is always a challenge because it calls us to greater faith in Christ.

Particularly in this area of being a confessor.  The first five persons named in that eleventh chapter of Hebrews are said to have three characteristics that they shared in their faith. They were assured of the promises, they embraced them and they confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims.

That last one, confessed, is an interesting Greek word meaning “together with” and “to say”.  They were together with God in what He had promised and they were saying it; saying they were not of this world!  Faith had its outworking in what they did and said. This same word is given in a warning that Jesus speaks in Luke 12:8-9, “Also I say to you, whoever confesses Me before men, him the Son of Man also will confess before the angels of God. But he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.” (1.)  Adds quite a bit of gravity, doesn’t it?

As you walk through this “strange land” that we live in today, what is your confession?  Are you together with God and telling others about it?  The only shame will be when you fail to do so.  There is no shame in proclaiming before men what you believe about God.  Lay aside the fear as well.  That is not from God, it is either the flesh or the devil.  You might think, “I don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb!”  It is too late for that, you are already a stranger here by birth!

Lord give us the boldness to stand for you!  We are not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God!

1. NKJV Luke 12:8-9, Nelson