Free Bible Commentary
“Hebrews 11:8-12”
Categories: Hebrews“By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised. Therefore there was born even of one man, and him as good as dead at that, as many descendants as the stars of heaven in number, and innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.”
---End of Scripture verses---
When Abraham was called by God he obeyed (verse 8). He didn’t make any excuses or protests and he didn’t ask any questions. He just got up and went into a distant and foreign land as the Lord had directed him to do (Genesis12:4). People of faith understand that, as long as the Lord is with them, it doesn’t matter where they live or what may happen to them. As long as they live faithfully to God, He will take perfect care of them. As the old hymn tells us, anywhere with Jesus we can safely go.
Even though the Lord had promised the land of Canaan to Abraham and to his descendants, he lived his entire earthly life as a nomad “dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob” (verse 9). A tent is a temporary structure and is the perfect symbol for the transitory nature of our home and life on this terrestrial plane. Life is short and eternity is forever and it is best to fix our hopes completely upon God and His precious promises. People of faith understand that this world is not their home and they are just a passin’ through.
Father Abraham was “looking for the city which has foundations” (verse 10). He had no problem frequently pulling up stakes and moving his temporary shelter to a new locale because he had his sights set on a permanent dwelling in the heavenly realm. No matter where we may choose or be forced to live on earth, by faith we understand that our true citizenship and permanent address in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Our eternal inheritance and treasures are stored up somewhere beyond the blue as we march on to Zion the beautiful city of God.
God is faithful to all His promises (verse 11). He promises to reward us greatly if we follow Him faithfully. He promises to destroy us eternally if we are faithless and disobedient (Hebrews 10:27). God still calls His children to follow Him today as He did father Abraham. He calls us out of the world and into His kingdom through the Gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:14). He calls (commands) us to believe in His Son Jesus (John 3:16), and to confess our faith in Him (Matthew 10:32-33). He commands us to repent of our sins and be baptized to have them forgiven (Acts 2:38). If we live faithfully until death He promises us eternal life (Revelation 2:10).
Please read Hebrews 11:13-16 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
- Louie Taylor
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