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
Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. — Hebrews 11:16 NIV
Reflection
The book of Hebrews 11 is packed with stories and memories of important religious figures from the past. Many of them put their lives on the line for their faith, and some of them even ended up paying the ultimate price. How were they able to keep such a firm faith in the midst of such opposition and suffering? They were looking for a heaven on earth, a better location, a better family, a better nation, and a better city. God had a better place in store for them all along. He takes great pleasure in the fact that they call him God, and he extends his greetings to them in the heavenly realm. And as people of faith, we are also promised that this better place, this better country will be ours! Jesus made a promise to us that he is making preparations at our heavenly home for our arrival there, and that he will one day return to take us to be with him there. If the Lord is pining away for us to join him, then it is only natural for us to pine away for the opportunity to be with him. Let’s long for our heavenly nation, shall we?
My Prayer
I am eternally grateful to you, dear Father, for everything you have done to secure my salvation. I am grateful that you are not embarrassed by me. I am grateful to you for getting everything ready for my visit to your house with you. I pray that I may live a victorious life because I am secure in your grace, forgiven because of the sacrifice that Jesus made, and enabled to be holy by your Spirit. With so much to look forward to, may I live victoriously. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.