11/19

Hebrews 11:13

¹³These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.

This chapter of the Bible teaches us about the faith of those who have gone before us. They believed God and obeyed in spite of the resistance they received from others. They were nonconformists. Though they did not have the written Word, or the knowledge of Jesus, or have the company of the church, or see that city that has foundations (see yesterday's devotional), they still persevered in following God.

Though they died without receiving what God promised, they saw all that was promised "and greeted them from afar." Their eyes of faith saw the heavenly city where righteousness dwells. Their hearts were set on heavenly things, and they refused to be satisfied with what the world offers. That set them apart, and what is different is often the target of persecution

The faithful people of this chapter recognized that they were made for more than what this world offers. They did not feel at home here, for they longed to be with God in the heavenly city. They acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.

Is that how you feel about this life? Or are you seeking to be satisfied in this world? Where you set your heart tells you the real condition of your faith.

Consider: Where do you call home? The trials of life seem less significant when your eyes of faith see the promises from afar.