We slowed down our walk through Hebrews as we walk through these few verses.
“15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
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.”
This one challenged my heart. They had left behind the “world” or their unbelief and by faith moved forward to a heavenly country. Because of this, they did not return to where they had been. It reminds me of Paul when he states in Philippians 3:13-14,
“13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
These people of faith faced enormous challenges, but they moved forward. They did not look at where they had been or what they had given up, but at God and His will, His country. It is so easy to look at all that we have lost with disability and chronic illness instead of looking at what is ahead. Where is God taking us today? How can we move forward in faith?
Do you see God’s response? He was not ashamed to be called their God. Oh, how I want Him to say that He is not ashamed of me, for Him to say, “Well done, good and faithful servant;” May we move forward in faith, focused on the better country!
Tomorrow, we will continue our walk through this great passage.
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