This post was last updated on March 6, 2026

Day 360, Year 1

A Community of Faith Across Time and Space

“And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:39-40 NASB)

The Greek word for “approval” in the first verse today is martureo, also translated as “witness” (Hebrews 11:4), and here means “witnessed.” This word is expressed throughout the chapter as an open quotation mark (11:2) and a close quotation mark here, which encapsulates the actions of the elders of faith, whom God appreciates. Thus, Christian faith is definitely not merely a unilateral wish or a mental cognition. Contrarily, God approves all faithful acts of us all, whether it is a sacrifice, a miracle, endurance in suffering, and so on.

The writers of Hebrews pointed out that although they were praised by God, they had not yet received His promises completely. Here, we believers can consider whether to continue believing or abandon the faith if we may suffer many on earth. Ultimately, it is a question of whether we seek God or something else in our lives. Some people abandon their faith and choose to disbelieve the words in the Bible because other religions, or even the work of evil spirits, seem more real and effective. It’s a pity because they don’t feel that God is bigger than His promises or anything else.

The second verse of today pointed out that these elders of faith are not unrelated to Christians. Rather, they are waiting for us to act in faith, so that we, altogether, shall share God’s promises in the future. In other words, they are still waiting for His promise in heaven with us, who act in faith, until the coming Day. Trusting in God not only allows us to look beyond ourselves and lay our eyes on Him, but also connects us to the faith community, which transcends time and space, in heaven and on earth. Thus, the “better homeland” mentioned before, or “as seeing the invisible God,” etc., is so real that we can share in the blessings they had experienced. As a result, we can have the same faith and look forward with them all to the “better homeland” in the future. We who believe in Jesus will receive better things than anything in this world. So, we should not be afraid of any kind of suffering ahead. Of course, our faith needs to be tested and consolidated with God’s approval before we can inherit the promise with them altogether in heaven. This refers not only to the beauties in heaven but also to the encompassing peace and happiness of our souls brought by God’s eternal presence.

Reflection questions:

1) Do you think it is more vital to seek God’s approval or to seek sinners’ approval? Why?

2) Do you look forward to the more beautiful promises in the afterlife than you do in this life? If the promise in the future is more important, what are you going to do now?