Hebrews 11:13-14

Summary retelling of Hebrews 11:13-14

The patriarchs who came before Abraham all died in faith, not having seen the fulfillment of God’s ultimate promise.  These people of faith lived as though they were exiles of this world, living for the things of God which at the time seemed far off.  People who live as they lived make the point that they are seeking a homeland rather than dwelling in their homeland.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

As we talk about all of these people who lived and died prior to Christ – much less prior to Abraham! – I can’t help but marvel at their faith.  How hard is it for us to be faithful … and we know the end of the story!  How hard it must have been for Abel, Noah, Enoch, and the rest to live in faith with God.

Why is it easier to live after Jesus came to this world?  Why do we still struggle to live according to the faith even if we do know the whole story of God’s plan of salvation?

Second Thought:

These same people are referred to as exiles of this world.  They were strangers.  {If you are interested, try to look up an old Christian Rock song.  By old, I mean early 80s.  It’s from a group called Petra.  It’s called “Not of this World.”  Awesome lyrics that go along with this passage.}  However, because they valued the things of God they did consider themselves to be strangers and exiles in this world.  They lived here.  They proclaimed God’s truth as much as they could.  They accepted the hatred and scorn of this world.  They had their focus on God – because of their faith.

Do you consider yourself an exile in this world?  What does that mean to you?  How do you think one develops the ability to think of themselves as an exile or a stranger in this world?

Third Thought:

Part of the testimony about the earlier followers of God is that they were looking for a homeland. Many of them had worldly wealth and status.  But that wasn’t their focus.  They were willing to give that up because they weren’t interested in the things of this world.  They were looking for a homeland because they knew the things of this world aren’t worth holding onto.  But rest assured, they were absolutely looking for a homeland, not looking to hold onto the homeland into which they were born.

Are you actively seeking God’s homeland?  Do you place more value on the homeland into which you were born the first time or the homeland into which you will be born when Jesus returns?

Passage for Tomorrow: Hebrews 11:15-16