Day 102 – Hebrews 11:13-16
Strangers and Pilgrims on the Earth
Scripture Reading – Hebrews 11:13-16
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Hebrews 11:13 KJV
For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
Hebrews 11:14 KJV
And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
Hebrews 11:15 KJV
But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
Hebrews 11:16 KJV
Scripture Review
Hebrews says the patriarchs died in faith without receiving every promise in their lifetime. They saw the promises afar off, were persuaded of them, embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Their desire reached beyond an earthly country to a better, heavenly one; therefore God was not ashamed to be called their God and prepared for them a city.
Jacob’s request not to be buried in Egypt fits this pilgrim confession, but Hebrews carries my eyes higher than Canaan. The believer’s final hope is with God. Faith can live gratefully in Goshen without confusing Goshen with home. It can die before every earthly promise is completed and still embrace the God who cannot lie.
Human hearts mean to settle permanently wherever security and prosperity become comfortable enough to quiet thoughts of eternity.
God means to make His people pilgrims who trust promises beyond their lifetime and seek the better country He has prepared.
What this asks of me
I should hold possessions, titles, and locations with open hands. Pilgrim faith is not neglect of earthly duty; it is faithful duty without worshipping the temporary place. I want my choices to show that God’s prepared city is more certain than what I can currently see and own.
Consider
- What temporary place or possession has begun to feel like my final security?
- Do my choices show that I am persuaded of promises I may not see completed in this life?