Week Twenty Nine: Day Five

    July 18, 2025 | Be God's Family

    Something Better


    Scripture: Hebrews 11:39-40(NIV)

    39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, 40 since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.


    Devotional

    By: Lisa Ellcessor

    In kindergarten, my report card used grading symbols of E=Excellent, S=Satisfactory and U=Unsatisfactory. Sometimes I would get an “E” and life looked promising. When I received an “S,” this was NOT the best news! Looking at my report card, I received “Excellent” on “I think for myself and solve my own problems“ and “I respect others.” But I received Satisfactory on “I work without disturbing others” and “I rest quietly.” My kindergarten report showed positive areas and recommended areas needing improvement. The evaluation was promising, but there was something better ahead.

    Chapter 11 of Hebrews is like reading a report card that grades the faith of the Old Testament Biblical heroes. Hebrews 11:2 states how God’s people earned an “E” in faith! As we read the “It was by faith…” statements, we are encouraged. What could be better than historical faithful people and nations witnessing God’s power, wisdom and miraculous deeds? Everyone listed gets an “Excellent” but then we come to the last two verses of Hebrews 11.

    “They 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.”

    • In other words, God wasn’t done in the Old Testament. Faith existed, but God planned something better.
    • What’s better than the spoken word of God creating the visible and invisible universe shouting magnificence to Him?
    • What is more excellent than a righteous young man giving a historical offering to God?
    • What could be better than an old barren woman and her husband birthing descendants as numerous as the grains of sand?
    • What report card wouldn’t give an “E” to a rehomed baby boy unafraid to man up and forego Egypt’s treasures for God’s upcoming rewards?
    • What’s better than a nation walking by faith or an army marching in circles to win a battle?

    The something better is Jesus Christ.

    • Jesus Incarnate: God choosing to embody human flesh so we have insight into true love.
    • Jesus Impeccant: Virtuous, sinless life filled with teaching, power and truth.
    • Jesus Crucified: Punishment for our sin by dying on the cross while He prayed for us.
    • Jesus Resurrected: Not even death could hold Him or us from eternal life.
    • Jesus Benevolent: Generous promises of hope, love, peace and undeserved grace.

    How do you grade your “faith report card” concerning God’s promise through Jesus Christ? Is it Excellent, Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory? The something better IS our Savior Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!


    Poem

    Something Better
    Psalm 53

    Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores his people, let Jacob rejoice and Israel be glad!
    Psalm 53:6

    Something better, yet unseen
    Not within our lifetime
    When, O when, LORD
    Shall the new day
    Break upon earth’s scene?

    For Your time alone, we wait
    Longing for fulfillment
    When, O when, LORD
    Shall we know the
    Fullness, promise weight?


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