“Instead, they were longing for a better country — a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”
Hebrews 11 is full of reminders of the great heroes of faith from long ago. Many of them risked everything — some even paid the ultimate price — for their faith. How did they live out such a strong faith in the face of such difficulty and persecution? They were looking for a better place, a better home, a better country, a better city — a heavenly one. God prepared this better place for them.
He is proud to be called their God and welcome them to that better place. And this better place, this better country, is also promised to us as people of faith! Jesus promised us that he is preparing for our arrival at our heavenly home and he will come back and take us to be where he is (John 14:1-4). If the Lord is longing for us to join him, then surely we can have a deep longing t! o be with him. Let's desire our heavenly country!
Quotes
.. Men may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments, despise our persons, but they are helpless against our prayers. - J. Sidlow Baxter
.. Most Christians know what they are saved from. Very few know what they are saved for. -
Unknown
Zechariah 11:17
“[The LORD said] "Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered, his right eye totally blinded!"
While we don't like to hear bad news and don't appreciate the pronouncement of judgment on others, there is a time when it is appropriate. Jesus was not only our sacrificial lamb, but he is also our Chief Shepherd. When the earthly shepherds of his sheep do not lead faithfully, he will demand harsh justice.
This is a strong reminder to all who lead that they must do so faithfully and tenderly. It is also a comfort to those who have been abused by ungodly leaders — God will bring about a righteous justice to those who have abused the stewardship of their pastoral calling. Ultimately, God will also wipe away our tears even if our earthly shepherds do not! (Revelation 7:15)
Hebrews 11 is full of reminders of the great heroes of faith from long ago. Many of them risked everything — some even paid the ultimate price — for their faith. How did they live out such a strong faith in the face of such difficulty and persecution? They were looking for a better place, a better home, a better country, a better city — a heavenly one. God prepared this better place for them.
He is proud to be called their God and welcome them to that better place. And this better place, this better country, is also promised to us as people of faith! Jesus promised us that he is preparing for our arrival at our heavenly home and he will come back and take us to be where he is (John 14:1-4). If the Lord is longing for us to join him, then surely we can have a deep longing t! o be with him. Let's desire our heavenly country!
Quotes
.. Men may spurn our appeals, reject our message, oppose our arguments, despise our persons, but they are helpless against our prayers. - J. Sidlow Baxter
.. Most Christians know what they are saved from. Very few know what they are saved for. -
Unknown
Zechariah 11:17
“[The LORD said] "Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered, his right eye totally blinded!"
While we don't like to hear bad news and don't appreciate the pronouncement of judgment on others, there is a time when it is appropriate. Jesus was not only our sacrificial lamb, but he is also our Chief Shepherd. When the earthly shepherds of his sheep do not lead faithfully, he will demand harsh justice.
This is a strong reminder to all who lead that they must do so faithfully and tenderly. It is also a comfort to those who have been abused by ungodly leaders — God will bring about a righteous justice to those who have abused the stewardship of their pastoral calling. Ultimately, God will also wipe away our tears even if our earthly shepherds do not! (Revelation 7:15)
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