If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Hebrews 11:15-16a
As I continue to ponder what to study next, my Bible study this morning once again leans on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotion, which today looks at saving faith, and what this means. John Piper uses Hebrews 11, which as much as any other chapter of the Bible gives us examples of this saving faith, including Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, the Israelites that crossed the Red Sea, and Rahab. Hebrews 11 shares attributes of those have this saving faith, including:
- "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" v13
- "seeking a homeland" promised and spoken of in prophecy but not seen v14
Common to all of these attributes is a desire to be with God - to be with Him. John Piper shares of those seeking this saving faith: "They had been so gripped by God that nothing short of being with God would satisfy. So, this is true saving faith: seeing the promises of God from afar, and experiencing a change of values so that you desire and seek after and trust in the promises of God above what the world has to offer."
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who lives, never changes, and is always there for me - I can call on You always and I know You listen, respond, and move. Thank You Jesus - I am not worthy nor deserving of such a God with such mercy. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin 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 understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
