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. Hebrews 11:16
Pausing again from my deep-dive study of Isaiah, today I listened to DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion - which focuses on the extent to which God is proud of us. John Piper uses Hebrews 11 as the text to examine this question. The author of Hebrews (11:8-21) describes the faith of Abraham, Sarah, Issac and Jacob and Piper zeroes in on v16 where he unpacks how these faithful "died in faith", and "not having received the things promised" (v13) and how it is that "God is not ashamed to to be called their God" (v16). Core to Piper reasoning is the "before" where these faithful "desired a better country" - heaven. We of course are not citizens, nor should our allegiance be to this earthly life, but to heaven which is our home. The more we truly believe this and long for the day when we ultimately will be at home and with Jesus (after meeting Him face to face).
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves and who is saving a place for me in Heaven - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such a blessed gift - the greatest gift of all time. Please forgive me for my sin, help me overcome it, and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me udnerstand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
