Yesterday we saw how we have been blessed even more than the great heroes of the Old Testament. They looked forward to the coming of Jesus. Now, Jesus has come. Yet we also wait for the promises to be fully revealed for us in glory.
So, how should we live while we wait? The end of verse 13 tells us: “they were strangers and exiles on the earth.” So, we live in this world like we don’t truly belong. Yes, we find homes and jobs and we have families and friends and hobbies, but these things aren’t permanent. We need to hold on to these earthly things lightly and not grip tightly.
We might think our home is so important. Yes, it is a blessing from the Lord, but it is not the final home. You have a home in the heavens. You have things you enjoy now, and that is good, but these joys are nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed.
The refugees that have come from Syria and other places have spent all that they have and gone through danger and risked their lives to get to England. They have their eyes on this country and that keeps them going, moving forward to be here. How much more for us, when the prize is not an earthly country, but an eternal, heavenly one.
So (verse 14) “they are seeking a homeland.” For Abraham and the others, heaven was in their hearts. Like the refugees who are seeking rest in Europe, these heroes of faith were seeking their eternal rest. So, there was no going back (verse 15). Sometimes the enemy will tempt us by saying, “It is easier to be like the world.” But we cannot turn back; we need to keep looking forward, with our eyes on the final destination.
So let’s remember: we are passing through, we are strangers and exiles on the earth.
