They were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. (Heb. 11:16)
For twenty-four years, I have lived in Indiana. When I meet people and they ask where I’m from, I say, “New Orleans.” One day a gentleman asked, “How long did you live in New Orleans?” I replied, “Twenty-two years.” He quickly pointed out that I had lived in Indiana longer than I lived in New Orleans, so technically, I was from Indiana. “You may need to reconsider your answer,” he commented. This struck me because New Orleans will always be home.
In this portion of Scripture, the writer told us of Abraham’s descendants who followed in his footsteps and lived by faith. These relatives considered themselves strangers in this land and looked toward another home. Their focus was on the country they had not yet seen but had confident hope to attain. If it had been their old country, they could return. Instead, it was a “better country.”
New Orleans will always be home. I have many fond memories with my family there, and my affection for the city will not fade. As Christians, heaven is the only place our hearts desire. Do you long for heaven? Do you anticipate our prepared home? Or do you find yourself more connected to this world? Lord, help us to remember that we are pilgrims passing through this land to our prepared home—heaven.
Complete a word study on heaven to learn more.
Ladrienne Cage McFarland enjoys spending time with family, listening to music, VBS, crafting, and studying God’s word.
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
