Free Bible Commentary
“Hebrews 11:13-16”
Categories: Hebrews“All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went 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 a city for them.”
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It has been appointed for all men (people) once to die, and then comes the Judgment (Hebrews 9:27). This is a very stark and startling reality, but not for the relatively few who have “died in faith” (verse 13). People who live in faith cling to God’s promises of a glorious eternity no matter how far off in the “distance” that may seem. When they come to the end of life’s way God transforms His precious promises into a marvelous reality. Taken in this context, we can understand the perplexing statement of Psalm 116:15: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones.”
We are all “strangers and exiles on the earth” (verse 13) even though most people do not live their lives in a way that expresses this truth. Those who admit with their words and confess through obedience to God that they are just wayfaring strangers “make it clear that they are seeking” a much better “country of their own” (verse 14). Take great comfort and cheer in knowing that your dearly-departed, faithful loved ones have gone on ahead to dwell in the “city” that God has “prepared for them” (verse 16). They wouldn’t come back to this world of pain and suffering for all the money in the world, but they are eagerly waiting for you to come join them in the beautiful city of God.
Faith is the victory, friend, that overcomes the world. Loving, trusting, obedient faith in the God who makes the most magnificent promises, and who cannot possibly lie (Titus 1:2). See God’s promises through the eyes of faith and you will understand that they are as good as done. Put your hand to the plow and never give a consideration to looking back over your shoulder at what you left behind. Nothing in the false and fading glory of this world is worth giving up the eternal splendor of heaven for.
Please read Hebrews 11:17-22 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
