Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 (NRSV)
Read Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 11Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Verse 2Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. Verse 3By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. Verse 8By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. Verse 9By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. Verse 10For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Verse 11By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old-and Sarah herself was barren-because he considered him faithful who had promised. Verse 12Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, "as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore." Verse 13All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, Verse 14for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. Verse 15If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. Verse 16But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.
Devotion
Abram and his descendents intended to settle in Canaan, the land promised to them; land that rests between Egypt and Syria; land that is the heart of the world’s conflict and violence today.
The Bible spends considerable time on the theme of home and homeland. Every culture has known the importance of a place to rest without fear, where one can contemplate one's place in the community of people.
But this vision still eludes much of the world's population. We witness each day that mere borders and buildings do not guarantee a peaceful home. It becomes clear why the saints of God look to heaven even while they work for justice on earth. They want more than a small and petty world. Still they hold fast to God's promise for a new life, trusting that it begins here on this old, dusty earth with a baby, a cross and a tomb.
Prayer
Lord Christ, dwell in us so that we may know peace and teach peace; so that we may help to give your people everywhere a home. Amen.