Hebrews 11:39-40 – These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
These verses are in the conclusion of Hebrews popular “Hall of Faith” – a recognition of those who have given their lives, stood trials, and believed in faith that God would move. The prophets who spoke before Christ were hoping of a better tomorrow. Their writings might now be seen as testimonies, but at the time they were written, they were mere declarations. “So that they might gain a better resurrection,” is what the text said. They fought to write and proclaim the truth we now live.
Thinking of the prophets reminds me of today. The 4th of July is not the day we received our independence. It was the day our forefathers made a declaration. Some of them might have had a dream or a thought of what that would entail, but I think sometimes we assume that those at the beginning saw today. They spoke in faith, hoping for oppression to leave. A lot of “Americans” gave their lives for freedom that they never experienced – hoping that they might gain a better life of freedom.
Remember that every great thing begins with a declaration. Whether you are declaring the end of something that is holding you back from your potential, or declaring to make a difference in the community around you, make a stand. Declarations start revolutions. The right revolutions lead to freedom. But all great wars start somewhere. What are you needing to declare?
BOBERT HILL 