BEN F. VICK, JR.
Today, January 1, 2023, we embark on a new year. What lies ahead, we do not know. We cannot see what tomorrow holds. One of the writers of the Proverbs said, "Boast not thyself of to morrow; For thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." (Prov. 27:1.) Paul wrote, "While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." (2 Cor. 4:18.) Though we cannot see into the future, we can see through the eye of faith the unseen. The heroes in Faith's Hall of Fame did; so can we.
We read, "By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith." (Heb. 11:7.) Noah had never seen a flood before, much less rain, yet when God told him to build an ark because a flood was coming, he believed God. He saw through faith what he had not seen empirically, that is, with the physical eye.
God told Abraham, "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." (Gen. 12:1–3.) Walking a little farther down Faith's Hall of Fame, we have this statement: "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went." (Heb. 11:8.) He had not seen the land to which God was directing him, but he went by faith.
He sojourned by faith in that land of promise, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob. Why did he live a nomadic life in the land? We are told: "For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." (Heb. 11:10.) Through the eye of faith, he anticipated that heavenly city. Is that not what we should do? "If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." (Col. 3:1–2.)
Abraham and Sarah were both beyond the age of having children, but God promised them a son. In that same section of the hall, we read: "Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable." (Heb. 11:11–12.) Abraham also believed in the promise of God concerning a son (Rom. 4:16-22.)
The writer of Hebrews says, "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." (Heb. 11:13.) These faithful ones did not receive the promises, but they saw them through faith. They were persuaded of them; they embraced them and acknowledged that they were strangers and pilgrims. Can we see what cannot be seen? Can we see our heavenly home, a city that has foundations built and made by God?
After noting Isaac and Jacob in this famous hall, we come to Joseph. The inspired "plaque" says, "By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones." (Heb.11:22.) I am not sure we can be precise as to how long after Joseph's death Israel departed from Egypt, but Joseph, by faith, could see what could not be seen. He knew Israel would one day leave that country to return to Canaan. And when they did, he wanted his bones carried back to the land promised. Faith could see what could not be seen.
Then next on the wall in Faith's Hall of Fame is the depiction of Moses. We stop and meditate on his life and his faith. Among the statements about him is, "By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible." (Heb. 11:27.) He left Egypt with all its treasures to suffer affliction with the people of God. Why? He did not fear the king's wrath but saw Him who is invisible. Through the eye of faith, he could see God. As you and I read God's word, can we see Him who is invisible? We know we cannot physically see God (John 1:18), but by faith we can.
So, as we begin this new year, let us see what cannot be seen. We cannot foresee what lies ahead this coming year, but may we increase our faith by studying God's word. Let us see our Lord in the assemblies of the saints and be present with him. Let us see Jesus in those who are in need. "And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Matt. 25:40.)
May God bless us to greater service in His vineyard this year. Let us not lay down our hoe before we reach the end of the row. Let us see what cannot be seen.