Hebrews 11:13 “These all died in faith, not having received the promises but having seen them afar off, were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”
It is really difficult for any of us living in the 21st century to comprehend what a nomadic life would be like, moving from place to place, never really able to put your family’s roots down for any length of time.
Abraham and Sarah along with their entourage did that for a very long time. The writer of Hebrews writes by inspiration of their faith in chapter 11:8-19. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were not able to settle down and possess their promised country. Abraham went by faith and his son and grandson lived by faith! Amazing truths to consider and perhaps we all need to give more than a casual glance at their faith and lives.
The truth is these men of faith developed patience and were willing to endure great hardships with personal sacrifice because they truly believed God had something better in store for them.
The world we live in is so fluid. Things keep changing … evil seems to win so often … the efforts of our adversary continue to mount and take deadly casualties! We need to be careful, lest Satan acquires an advantage over us by painting deceptive landscapes and promises that are not true, right, valuable or lasting.
The old hymn entitled “Here We Are But Straying Pilgrims” really offers a perspective for the spiritually minded to lay hold upon, cherish near to their hearts and become their daily reality check. Truly, we are all “pilgrims and sojourners” … we’re just passing through this land and we’re to be “looking for that city whose builder and maker is God!”
Let’s not be guilty of putting our roots down here below, unpacking our bags and just getting comfortable, so fond of this world. Let’s be looking for the land where there is no need for light from the sun, for the glory of God will lighten it … where there will be no more pain and heartache … no more tears, disappointment or sorrows!
Perhaps as one sage worded it so aptly long ago; the hardest thing about going to Heaven is that we can’t just pack up and go there.
We must be preparing for, talking about and praying for the place where the soul will never die! Cheer your soul with these thoughts. Share these words with those you love and care so much for … and keep moving toward the goal of Heaven and hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joys of thy Lord.”
Bill Fairchild
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