Hebrews 11 is of course often referred to as the “Hall of Fame of Faith” in the Bible, showcasing the extraordinary examples of faith displayed by various biblical figures, inspiring believers to trust in God and His promises.
The first twelve verses emphasize the importance and nature of faith and then highlight the exemplary faith of such notable figures as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Sarah. And then the writer of Hebrews says this:
“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. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 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 11:13-16, KJV
It could be said that these verses also apply to all the figures mentioned in the remainder of Hebrews 11 as well. Indeed, while all of the named figures in Hebrews 11 precede the time of Christ, all of us are “strangers and pilgrims on the earth” looking forward to the return of Christ and the “better country” He will bring.
To better appreciate these encouraging verses, let’s consider each in turn…
13 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.
The men and women referred to in Hebrews 11 (and, of that list, Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Sarah are emphasized) died “in faith.” They died while trusting God, but did not (in this life) receive or experience the complete fulfillment of God’s promises. They did experience some of God’s promises being fulfilled (Noah was saved by the Ark, Abraham and Sarah had Isaac, etc.) but they didn’t experience all of God’s promises.
They saw the fulfillment of those promises “afar off,” and that was enough for them to be “persuaded of them.” Accordingly, they “embraced” the promises and “confessed” (accepted and declared) that this world was not their ultimate home. They were but “strangers and pilgrims” in this fallen world.
The same is true for us, although not all professing Christians have accepted that — let alone live by it.
Note too that they trusted God even though they didn’t experience all there was to God or His promises. Those of us today holding out for more and more “proof” before we’ll believe don’t understand or respect the faith to which God calls us.
We are called to trust Him. And, as Hebrews 11:6 makes clear, it is impossible to please God if we don’t trust Him.
We must trust God and be willing to die even before we fully see or experience all that God has in store for us and this world. Because, once we die, we will then come face to face with Him.
14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
They that “say such things” (people like Abraham and Sarah as well as Abel, Enoch, and Noah) are declaring “plainly” or clearly that they know God has something better for them than what they can see, touch, taste, feel, or hear at the present time.
When you accept Christ as your Savior, you make a similar declaration.
15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
Their allegiances weren’t torn. They weren’t looking backward but forward. Just as we today should.
16 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.
These faithful men and women didn’t want what the world offered. They wanted “a better country.” They wanted “a heavenly” home. And they trusted God to provide that for them.
Because of this, God was “not ashamed to be called their God.” That’s a powerful statement. God wasn’t just claiming them. He was proud to do so!
Consider that in relation to Hebrews 11:6, which makes it clear that it’s “not possible” to “please” God unless we believe in Him and trust Him. The choice before us is whether we please God or we whether give Him reason to be ashamed of us. Trusting Him leads to pleasing Him. Doubting Him leads to displeasing Him and shames us before Him.
God doesn’t leave His people hanging. We don’t just “die in faith” and then cease to exist. No! God has “prepared” for His people a “city.” A home. Jesus speaks of this in John 14. He prepares a place for us.
There’s an old saying that says: “There’s no place like home.”
We, as believers in Christ, can amend that to say…
There’s no place like our home in glory which our Lord has prepared for us!
Keep your eyes on the Lord. Trust in Him and His promises. Walk in faith. There will be tough times, but in the end, you won’t regret it.
God won’t let us down.
For further reading:
