We are not alone in this journey of faith. Not only has Jesus preceded us, but so has a “great cloud of witnesses.” (Hebrews 12:1) All these witnesses remained faithful even though they did not receive their promises.
This is what faith is: to live on the basis of promise. Faith, if it is faith, must have an aspect of not-having. If we have already received the promise, it loses its character as promise. Promise must remain beyond us. Faith is the continuing on even as the promise recedes. In fact, not only must the promised rest remain as promise, the present must be shaped by suffering. This is the life of faith.
“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1) Faith is a journey towards perfection. It is the journey towards a promise. It is a journey through suffering and obedience. Jesus is the pioneer and the high priest of that journey. Our ancestors, all of whom were pre-Christian Jews, can also show us the way. Our task is also to help others on their journey of faith.
-Lewis R. Donelson, From Hebrews to Revelation
Thinking Out Loud 