Sermon:
“Where Your Heart & Faith Is.”
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
The words from Hebrews might be one of the best descriptions of what faith is. Faith in what we hope for and comfort in what we do not see but believe with our heart and soul.
In the Message Translation Eugene Peterson says it like this: “The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes like worth living. It is our handle on what we can’t see. “
There are so many stories of faith in our Bible. There are many stories about blessings, beatitudes and beginnings, combined with stories of trials, tribulations and test of faith. All stories that we can reflect on and mirror our own lives and faith in. Trying to understand that invisible, metaphysical, mystical and yet real concept of faith.
One of the most dramatic and heartbreaking stories is the one about Abraham. His story is about his faith and his faithfulness. But also, about his heart.
By an act of faith Abraham said yes to God’s call to journey and travel to an unknown place that would become his home. He set out not knowing where he was going. But he walked by faith.
By an act of faith Abraham lived in the country promised to him, lived like a stranger, and alien, like a nomad in tents. Abraham lived by faith.
By an act of faith Abraham received the miraculous promise that he and his wife Sarah, even if they were both old, grey and baren – that they would conceive a child because of his faithfulness. Sara and Abraham became parents by faith against all the odds.
And finally, Abraham walked the heavy steps up the mountain with his beloved son, Isac. At the time of testing, offering to give Isaac as a sacrifice to God. Showing his faithfulness, by sacrificing his own son on the altar of faith. It is a cruel story, as cruel as life can be in Gaza, in Ukraine, in the concentrations camps during II world war, when parents are to make impossible choices and acts.
By an act of faith and with a heavy heart, Abraham walked up the mountain, and his faithfulness saved him and Isacc.
Abraham had a long and challenging journey. Throughout this journey, he worked hard and experienced grief and blessings. Most of the time, he wasn’t able to see the path ahead, but he held strong to the promise in his heart. His faith guided him and gave him hope.
Abraham is the common Hebrew patriarch of the Abrahamic religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
In Judaism, he is the founding father who began the relationship and convent between the Jewish people and God.
In Christianity, he is the spiritual ancestor of all believers, a symbol of great faith.
And in Islam, he is a link in the chain of Islamic prophets that begins with Adam and culminates in Muhammad.
By an act of faith Abraham lived, loved, made decisions, walked and journeyed through life. Just like we do.
The Danish Philosopher and Theologian Soren Kierkegaard wrote extensively about Abrham and his faith in his book “Fear and trembling” from 1843.
S.K. delves into the struggles of Abraham and reflects on the act of faith defying reason, transcending what we see, know and understand.
So, today on this second Sunday in August, we might ask ourselves about our faith; how we define faith; how we live by faith and act on faith…. Even if we cannot see it, touch it or proof it.
If we ask most adults to name something invisible, they might name abstract concepts like love, or the too-small-to-see parts of our world, such as bacteria or atoms. A brave, superstitious few might name ghosts.
But for the most part, the time of science and reason has taught us that what is observable, tangible, and detectable is what’s most real. Seeing is believing.
But with faith we turn it up side down claiming: believing in seeing.
Hebrews 11 makes a stranger, far more exciting claim: invisible, intangible, unobservable things are not only more real but also more beautiful, more true, more lasting.
We all live among the visible, the things that decay and fall apart, while still having confidence in the greater, invisible things. We are “strangers and foreigners on the earth,” the metaphor goes, making our journey towards the Kingdom God “has prepared” for us.
We find ourselves, somehow, in the visible and invisible at the same time. Faith isn’t just believing in what you can’t see; it’s our only way of touching what cannot be touched. Believing is seeing further and deeper and beyond reason.
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith does not need to be a cold, intellectual assent, a yes or no to a given teaching, creed or dogma. It can be a vibrant, animating force, where you heart is.
Jesus said to his followers: “Don’t be afraid, for it is your fauhers good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
Don’t be afraid is the language of faith.
Don’t be afraid is the language of hope.
Don’t b afraid is the language of angels.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
For where your treasure is, ther your fiaht will be also.
Faith and heart goes hand in hand.
Faith and heart belong in the same invisible, intangible space.
So, give is room, give is space to breathe, be and grow.
Embrace faith to lead you.