In what is probably the most well-known “faith” chapter in the Bible, Hebrews 11, we are given a glimpse into the life of Abraham when God called him to leave his homeland to go to another country. By faith he began his journey even though he did not know where he was going, simply following God’s direction; he even dwelt as a foreigner in the very country God had promised him, awaiting for God’s time to fulfill the promise; verse 10 says, “he waited (looked KJV) for the city which has foundations, (enduring, unshakable) whose builder and maker is God” (comments added). This story could be applied to our spiritual life and walk with God in our daily journey as we expect Him to fulfill His promises to us in our everyday walk. But I think there is another thrust, perhaps the main thrust, which is applied to the future that God has planned for and promised to those who follow Him as Abraham did. This chapter features numerous giants of the faith who stood strong and true even in the face of fierce opposition and seeming futility, even though they “did not receive the promise” (verse 39), in this life, for “they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country” (verse 16). God’s ultimate purpose for His children is “to give you a future and a hope” or “to give you an expected end” (Jeremiah 29:11). That future and end is to be with Himself in that “city” described in Revelation 21:1-22. Yes, Jesus said it in John 14:2-3, “I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am there you may be also.”
A Better Country
-By Rose Hill
Abraham looked for a better country in which to dwell,
Where he could live with God, and all is well.
So whatever the test, his faith was strong,
He had faith in God all his life long.
Scripture quotations are form the New King James Version copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. used by permission.