Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (2) For by it the elders obtained a good report."
"For by it the elders obtained a good report." By faith, the elders
obtained a good report. For just a quick review, let us be reminded
"faith is the substance, (or ground, or confidence) of things hoped
for." Because of their confidence, the elders obtained a good
report. The patriarchs, or forefathers, that are listed in this chapter
obtained a good report. We get our word martyr from the original Greek
word used for elders in this passage. We will see they "obtained a good
report" in that they were used by God to accomplish great things. We will
also see they GAVE "a good report" by the things they
accomplished. But we will also see they suffered great things (martyred)
as they gave "a good report".
These saints of God, listed in this chapter, endured great hardships as they
waited for God's work in their lives. But they endured by looking at the
evidence all around them that the Lord God Almighty was always with them.
They endured through the understanding their strength and understanding came
from the Lord. This was their "substance", their ground, their
confidence.
Read these words of the Psalmist as he had been describing his struggle in
life. He came to this very conclusion concerning the confidence he had in the
Lord. "Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me
by my right hand. (24) Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and
afterward receive me to glory. (25) Whom have I in heaven but thee?
and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee (26) My
flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion
for ever." (Psalm 73:23-26) The word "obtained" carries
the meaning of not only receiving a good report concerning their faith, but
also GIVING a good report concerning the faithfulness of the Lord God Almighty.
In my hardest struggle of life, God is with me. In my darkest hour, God is with
me. In my biggest failures, the Lord has promised never to leave me. This
is the good report that I have received from the patriarchs of the Bible. This
is the good report that I have received in all my daily activities. This is the
confidence that I have in going forward from this day. This is my faith and my
report to you: God is faithful and true. Trust Him with all your
might.