Tag: Hebrews 11:13-16
The City Prepared by God!
Scripture reading for August 20th: Hebrews 11
Key Scriptures: Hebrews 11:13-16 “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared for them a city.”
The writer of Hebrews appealed to the Jewish believers in Jesus concerning the patriarchs from Adam to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He told how all these had lived here on earth as strangers and exiles, wandering around following God and looking for the City of God. They received the promises of God for a homeland and inheritance, but lived and died only seeing them with eyes of faith. Abel brought God a better sacrifice to find His favor. Enoch walked with God and God simply took him up to Heaven. Noah got on an ark, allowing God to take him and his family to a new land. Abraham left his homeland to go to a land God would show him. All these died in faith looking forward to a better heavenly land. God was pleased with their faith and has the fulfilment of all His promises awaiting those who persevere!
Hebrews 11:35 “Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.”
Faith confession and prayer: Father, thank You for Your great and precious promises and the record of those who have lived by faith before us. I am humbled to be included in these promises by faith in Jesus Christ. Help me to live fully by faith and tell others of the great gift of eternal life and the heavenly city prepared for those You loved and sent Jesus to die for.
Hebrews 11:39-40 “And all these, though commended through their faith, did not received what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.”
Longing for the heavenly city!
Scripture reading for March 2nd: Numbers 1-2, Psalm 64, Hebrews 11
Key Scriptures: Hebrews 11:13-16 “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared for them a city.”
The writer of Hebrews had listed several ancient men and women who had trusted God to fulfill His promise to them to be their God and they would live in His Presence forever. All these historical figures had died believing but not receiving the promise in its fullness. They lived as strangers here on earth, knowing God promised them much better with Him. Noah boarded the ark, following God. Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob had lived in tents in the promised land. But they were really looking for a heavenly city, prepared specially for them by their God!
Faith Confession and prayer: I am a stranger here on this earth, just passing through in route to the New Jerusalem and living in God’s glory and light forever. Help me to never be ashamed of my Lord Jesus.
Numbers 2:1-2 “The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, “The people of Israel shall camp each by his own standard, with the banners of their fathers’ houses. They shall camp facing the tent of meeting on every side.”
Psalm 64:10 “Let the righteous one rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in Him! Let all the upright in heart exult!”
Faith’s vision!
Scripture reading for October 26th: Jeremiah 16-19, Hebrews 11
Key Scriptures: Hebrews 11:13-16 “These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. . . .But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared for them a city.”
All the great men and women of faith from the Old Testament saw in their spirits the fulfillment of God’s promises. They never experienced the fulfillment while on earth, but died in anticipation of a heavenly country where God was King. God, seeing their faith, has prepared a Heavenly City, the New Jerusalem, just for these faithful, and all who trust in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Jeremiah 17:12-13 “A glorious throne set on high from the beginning is the place of our sanctuary. O Lord, the Hope of Israel, all who forsake You shall be put to shame; those who turn away from You shall be written in the earth, for they have forsaken the Lord, the Fountain of Living Water.”
Prayer: Lord, my soul sees Your promises and truth and longs for the coming of Jesus Christ and His righteous rule. Come, Lord Jesus! Amen.