Hebrews 11:13-16 Setting our eyes on things beyond our lifetime

Hebrews 11:13-16

13 These 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 (pilgrims) on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 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 for them a city.

Background

People of faith live without expecting to obtain the promise within their lifetime. They work towards a future, an ideal that is much bigger than what they could imagine. Their existence is on earth, although their citizenship is in heaven. Today’s passage teaches us to live with the goal of preparing the next generation towards a glorious future. Their reward is not a city built by men, but a heavenly city crafted by God.

Observation

13 These all died in faith, not having received the things promised…

“These” refers to the names of people mentioned in this chapter. They ended their life on earth having obeyed all that God had commanded them: died in faith. Even though they did not see the physical fruits of their labor: not having received the things promised. But they saw in their spirit the promised reality in the future: having seen them and greeted them from afar. “Greeted” is used in a sense that they witnessed (in their spirit) the beginnings of the promised future.

And having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles (pilgrims) on the earth…

These all considered themselves as strangers, as outsiders and visitors, who were passing through, with no intention to call earth home. For these all were foreigners who had no plans to dig in and make a permanent abode. Their very lifestyle testified to the fact that their home was out of this world.

15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out,…

Making special reference to Abraham and his family, who had much opportunity to return to Ur of the Chaldeans (which was where they came from), they chose to remain in a foreign land. They remained in Canaan despite dire circumstances because they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one; they have no intention to find a permanent home on earth. We can infer that life could have been more comfortable back in Ur of the Chaldeans. And their unsettled existence in Canaan offered them abundant opportunity for returning. However, their goal was not for physical comfort, but to lay a foundation towards a heavenly country – the kingdom of God. Their existence is on earth, but their citizenship is in heaven.

Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

That explains why God is not ashamed to be called “the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob” (see Exodus 3:6, 15, 16). To acknowledge that He is their God is to be their eternal architect and builder of an everlasting city. For such, God will prepare for them a heavenly city that is beyond what they could think or imagine.

Truth

1.  The goal of the current generation is to help build the nation for the next generation. The goal of the current generation is not to enjoy life per se, but to lay a proper spiritual foundation for the nation of tomorrow. For most people, their goal is to live well and retire well. Even if they had in mind a future for their children, they do not think beyond the boundaries of their family. A Chinese proverb says, “Each one sweeps the snow from his own doorstep and doesn’t bother about the frost on his neighbor’s roof” (自扫门前雪 不管他人瓦上霜). The believer’s mission goes beyond the confines of their family to their nation and the kingdom of God. Jesus taught the people concerning a new kingdom that would come from a regenerated life, “The Kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:21). God said to Abraham, “And I will make you a great nation,… And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.” (Genesis 12:2-3). Abraham’s dream was not confined to Isaac and Jacob, but for a better country, that is, a heavenly one, which is the universal kingdom of God. Therefore, we should ask ourselves, what could I do today that will make the next generation more humble, merciful and just? What can I do to bring the gospel to the nations?

2.  Believers must work towards financial stability with the aim of giving ourselves fully to God. Many believers do not know how to reconcile life in the earthly city and the heavenly city to come. Hence, some go to extremes of serving in the ministry without adequate provision for themselves. They see poverty and burnout as evidence of a life sold out for God. Here, we see Abraham as wealthy, who owned much livestock although he could not own land which he could back in Ur of the Chaldeans. In those days, land ownership was considered a status symbol of wealth and power. Abraham’s choice of remaining in Canaan is a wholesome example of one who served God wholeheartedly out of financial stability. The sole purpose of wealth is to give us a stable platform to serve God and to raise up the next generation. Wealth is never meant to serve as stepping-stones to earthly fame and pleasures. Therefore, believers should never indulge themselves in an expensive lifestyle, cars and buildings which are superfluous. The person who prepares these things for this earthly city, does not intend to return to his own heavenly city.

Application

1. What can you do to extend a helping hand towards the poor? Start by sowing the vision to your family by serving in your church’s outreach ministry. As Children learn values by observing their parents, there is no better time to start serving than now.
2. What is your strategy towards achieving financial stability? To achieve financial stability, one has to possess viable work skills and credentials. By working towards financial stability, you also equip yourself with necessary soft skills to serve God effectively.

Dear Lord, I focus my eyes on the nation’s prosperity beyond my lifetime. I set my eyes on the eternal city that you will prepare for me. Grant me wisdom and confidence to work towards financial stability, so that I can serve others from a place of abundance. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.