Therefore as many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as innumerable as the sand which is by the sea shore, were fathered by one man, and him as good as dead. Hebrews 11:12 WEB
Paul devotes the entirety of chapter eleven in the Book of Hebrews to the topic of faith in action. He mentions many Old Testament figures, giving examples of how faith positively affected their lives. After reminding his readers of the faithfulness of Abel, Enoch, and Moses, Paul described the faith of Abraham, the patriarch of the nation of Israel.
In verse twelve, Paul refers to the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham from Genesis 22:17 which reads, “I will multiply your offspring greatly like the stars of the heavens, and like the sand which is on the seashore. WEB” By one man, God populated Israel and many other nations, demonstrating that he rewards those who faithfully follow his commands.
Scripture records in Genesis 12:1-3, “Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. KJV”
Kings of Peoples
Abraham’s faith in the promises of God led him to leave his home and live in a foreign land. Additionally, God promised Abraham a son from Sarah, his wife. In Genesis 17:16, the Lord said of Sarah, “I will bless her, and moreover I will give you a son by her. Yes, I will bless her, and she will be a mother of nations. Kings of peoples will come from her. WEB” At the time of God’s promise, Sarah was ninety years old and Abraham was nearly one hundred. This is why Paul wrote that Abraham was as good as dead.
Ultimately, Paul teaches that acting on our faith pleases God. Beyond that, God himself is faithful to reward those who live in obedience to his word and will. By one man, Abraham, many nations descend including the nation of Israel. By one man of faith and his formerly barren wife Sarah, Isaac was born. In turn, Isaac fathered Jacob who established Israel. Like the stars in the night sky or grains of sand on a beach, the descendants of those two unlikely parents are innumerable today.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for giving me a measure of faith. Thank you for increasing my faith by the truth of your holy word. Lead me away from trouble. Guide me to serve your purpose. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: One Flesh
