Scripture - 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them
Observation - The Hebrew writer is recounting the faithful walks of the fathers of his own faith, remembering that those who faithfully followed God did not see the promise in their lifetime... yet they still believed.
Application - I often think when I read this chapter about the "faithful," those who trusted and believed God even when they didn't see a reward in their own lifetime. But reading this time, I realize that it is really GOD who is faithful! We go through ups and downs in our walk, but God loves us unconditionally and is longing, probably more than we are, for the day that we join Him in His (and our!) heavenly home... for ever!
Prayer - You are with brothers and sisters in Haiti who have suffered tremendous tragedy. And I imagine that their trust and faith seems out of place with the devastation that surrounds them. I bet they have a handle on this scripture far better than we do at the moment. As you help them to meet their physical needs, be sure to listen as they share their victories and help you understand why they are longing—as we should be!—for a better country, a heavenly one.
Love you all! Praying for you. Don't forget to drink PLENTY of water!
Barbara Gum
testing out the comment box, looks like it works
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