The Devotional - A Look at the Book #774

by Jesse Abel

A Word from Papa “J”

Wisdom has a voice; the one who studies and does not listen to the voice of wisdom is bias and selfishly impractical. Students who fail to see the cautious and discreet attributes of wisdom’s partner “prudence” are seen as knowledgeable but without discretion or direction. Proverbs 8:12-13 helps the godly student overcome this prideful arrogance by having a respect for God.

Good Morning

Word studies are like going on a trip and if you like to travel as I do you will find that by taking hold of a word or two and searching it out is like going to another country or some tropical island. I hope you are not laughing at me, I am as serious as I can be and I know that often when I am seeking to be serious, it sort of comes out hilarious. I like to go on trips and if you travel down the road of words, there are no speed bumps, speed traps or costly fuel expenses.

If you study the Holy Bible there are three main languages; Hebrew, Konia Greek and English and is should mention that there are a few words of Aramaic found mainly in the Book of Daniel. The point is that word study can take the traveler all over the world and just in a matter of moments. I get all excited about this that I can hardly contain my emotions.

Why? Because the Holy Bible is sufficient to take you from the beginning of creation and time to the very end of creation and time and while doing so can also take you through all of the dynasties of time, the rise and fall of all human power, the rise and fall of all spiritual power and the eternal state reserved in eternity for all of God’s children who by faith have come to Jesus, who is the Author and finisher of “FAITH”. Hebrews 12:1-2

As you may have noticed I said that Jesus Christ is the Author and finisher of FAITH and not our faith as found in most translations. The word “our” is not in any of the original writings. This is important for us to know. Biblical faith does not belong to a specific church or creed. Biblical faith belongs to GOD, who gives it to those who believe in Jesus. Galatians 2:16 KJV.

Here is something interesting, found only once in the epistle of Hebrews is the Greek word “elpis” translated “faith” in Hebrews 10:23 KJV and confidence in other translations which is more correct, however there is a greater blessing here since the word carries the thought of anticipated JOY for those who persevere or endure the hardship of being in the FAITH described as foot race in our passage, Hebrews 12:1-2.

We should be overjoyed with the thought that the faith that we have is not a new faith or one that is based on our ability alone to maintain. In other words our faith is common to all believers in Jesus Christ. From the dawn of history, men and women like Abraham and Sarah; Isaac and Rebekah, Moses, Josiah, Samuel and others. But in these last days; even the Author of Faith Himself endured the hostelries of fallen mankind and with a confident hope looked forward to the JOY that was set before Him.

So our little word search today has taken us on a trip in time to a confidence that “eternity” will be the most wonderful destination of all as we search the scriptures with the joyful assurance that only our common (but not so common to the fallen world) faith provides.