Hebrews 11:13–16 (ESV)
Heroes of Faith
13
These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. 14 For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a
homeland. 15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he
has prepared for them a city.
This paragraph is framed by God’s promise of Isaac through Sarah (a miracle) and Abraham being told to sacrifice his son. So what does this paragraph
mean? Is it simply filler space? The answer is no. When it says “These all died in faith,” this is referring to Abraham, Sarah, Isaac and Jacob. In verse 14, the verse “For people who speak” also refers Abraham,
Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob. They were pilgrims in this world and they were on a journey. The journey is to the promised land. Their faith was patient and they endured many hardships, but they believed that God had something better... even though
they could not see it. The promised land they are looking for is the Fatherland, the country of our heavenly Father.
I pray: O Lord, help me to believe the things that I cannot see.
This can only be done by and through faith, which you have given me. I look forward to seeing you face to face. Amen.