There are many elements to the Christian walk; hope, charity, mercy, but shining before all these is faith. I'm sure we've all heard the stories of Abraham, David, Daniel, Job, and the apostles of our God. Though each individual had distinct trials where faith was needed, we must note that through all these testimonies we see a pattern. A sort of "level of faith" among the heros and heroines that are depicted throughout God's given word. We can tell that there are different types of faith and yet all are united. Abraham, David, and Daniel, for example, had a type of faith that is known as "future faith."
"But what is future Faith?" many ask. Let us look at these three men of God and see what the scripture says of them, perhaps we may discover the mystery.
Abraham, we are told by the Apostle Paul, looked for the holy city of God. A city not seen of man, nor known in the heart of man; but one that is beheld of angles and dwelt in by God. Abraham could not see the city with his carnal eyes, yet his faith (which beheld the future) clearly saw the pathway that lead to the promises of God. So we find that Abraham's flesh could not enter the city of promise, but his God given faith saw what was going to be and through this he believed God and it was imputed righteousness.
We again are told that Abraham believed God when God reveled unto him that he WOULD be the father of many nations (note WOULD is a future tense word). This, Beloved, is the embodiment of "future faith." Abraham had faith that God WOULD PREFORM what God had promised. Through faith he looked into the future and beheld the promise coming to pass. The scripture signifying this when it said: "Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off. And Abraham said . . . God will provide himself a lamb . . ." (Gen. 22:4,5,8).
So we know that Abraham, by faith, beheld the future, and saw Christ crucified and thereby beginning to build the city that Abraham sought for refuge and rest. A city that is the dwelling place of God, a temple for the Holiest of Holies.
Another example of "future faith" is shown in the life of David, king of all Israel. David saw many revelations of God, defeated many enemies through the power in God's name. A name which at that time had not been revealed by God. Yet with each enemy that encamped around Israel, David sought refuge in God. He believed that whatever Satan could muster against him, God could easily handle with His word. He knew that God was in control and not Satan. He had faith that the battle was under the control of God and thus his faith reached into the future, grasped hold of the promise of God (be of good cheer, for I have over come the world), and defeated his enemy before the war began. The scripture bearing witness when it said: "And David enquired at the LORD . . . " (II Sam. 30:8); here too, we find, the evidence of "future faith."
The last of the three men of God that I have chosen to discuss, is the prophet Daniel. In chapter 6 of the book of Daniel we see that this man of God used "future faith." It is here we read: "Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime." Daniel knew what the consequence would be for his actions, yet he had faith that God would deliver him from this FUTURE trail. His faith was so steadfast that even when placed in the den of lions he feared not. Like David, he grasped a promise that would be given (by Christ) in the future: "And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God . . . Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them." (Mark 11:22,24).
So what is our conclusion? What is the answer to our question?
We see now that "future faith" is believing that the future is in God's control and that God is faithful to keep that which is committed unto Him. We know not what tomorrow might bring. Let us, therefore, by faith, commit our ways unto the Lord, and He will direct our paths (Prov. 3). |
