Strangers And
Foreigners
On Earth
By 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. By 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. For he looked forward to the city that has
foundations, whose architect and builder is God. By 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. Therefore 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.”
All 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, for people who speak in this way make is clear that
they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of the land that they
had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. But 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.
Hebrews 11:8-16
For over
41 years the
The
writer to the Hebrews presents a better way to achieve significance. He noted
that heroes of the faith never lost sight of the fact they were “strangers and
pilgrims on the earth.” As a result, “God is not ashamed to be called their
God.”
It is a
fact of life that every monumental work will likely be surpassed. Our best
efforts can only bring temporary honor, which all too soon will be eclipsed by
the new and greater achievements of others. But those who invest their efforts
in living to please God have a lasting city and an everlasting honor to look
forward to. God is even now preparing these for them.
Who is building your life? You or God?
A solid foundation gives strength to a building and a life.
Our Daily Bread – September 24, 2008