August 12, 2025

Today's Reading: Hebrews 11:1-16

Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 28:3-25; 1 Samuel 29:1-30:31; 1 Corinthians 6:1-20

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

These words are a great reminder. God is not impressed by works. We can’t trick Him into being pleased with us by holding up shiny works that we ‘curated ourselves.’ Nope. It is impossible to please Him…without faith.

So what is this ‘so important’ faith? And as a sinner, how can I get it alllll for myself? The first verse of this chapter gives us a definition of faith: “it is assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen.” This still seems fuzzy. I want faith to be something I can put in my pocket and look at, or hold up before God as proof. I want to measure it and control its enoughness. Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.

We know from other parts of Scripture, and as it is simply explained in the Small Catechism, that we cannot come to God on our own. We cannot have faith created out of our own reason, understanding, or strength. So, how can I get this necessary faith? How can I please God? How can I get rewards?

This verse points to the multitude of Gifts that God gives to His people. It is God Who creates and sustains faith in His people. In Baptism, He drowns the hard-hearted, dead sinner, and creates a New Man who then receives the Holy Spirit. It is God Who, before the foundation of the world, had a plan for the world’s salvation in and through Jesus’ Death and Resurrection. The faith given in your Baptism is what clings to the promises of God and is what receives the overflowing Gifts and rewards that He gives. We don’t work to please God to “get rewards.” Instead, we receive faith, God is pleased with us, and He gives all that we need.

Indeed, without faith, we cannot come before God and please Him. And yet, God had a plan. God saved you in the waters of your Baptism. The Holy Spirit within you clings to Jesus’ Death and Resurrection for you. In the words of Absolution, Jesus’ Body and Blood in the Lord’s Supper, and through the proclamation of the Gospel, you receive the rewards that God gives to those who have faith. He lovingly created you, redeemed you, gives you faith, and feeds and sustains you. God be praised for His perfect plan for our salvation, redemption, and the faithful hope you have unto eternal life.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Firmly to our soul’s salvation Witnesses Your Spirit, Lord, In Your Sacraments and Word. There He sends true consolation, Giving us the gift of faith That we fear not hell nor death. (LSB 559:3)

Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

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