Verse of the Day 2/11
Hebrews 11:16 But they now desire a better place—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
We've been considering how God is preparing a place, heaven, for His prepared people. We've considered the house, the mansion with many rooms, one customized for us. But there is much more than a room that God is creating for us.
In the middle of this great chapter, Hebrews 11, the hall of faith, God tells us that He is preparing a city for His prepared people. I grew up in the Chicago area, a great city, great food, great sports (not always winners, I am a Cub fan), great music and entertainment available and a beautiful lakefront and skyline. Imagine what this city will be like. It will be the greatest ever, it would be the greatest tourist attraction of all time, and we would call it our home, we would be citizens of that city.
The ones who seek that place have had a change in their heats desires. They are not concerned with the best things here, but are concerned about their treasures in heaven. John Piper writes, "There are many people who water down what saving faith is by making it a mere decision with no change of what one desires or seeks. But the point of this text is that living and dying by faith means having new desires and seeking new satisfactions "
Thinking about that home in that city reminds me of a song the we sang in our chuch, in Sunday school as a child. Several of my friends from back then receive these posts, I'm sure they'll sing aloud or in their hearts when they read the lyrics again, no matter that the dogs may start howling.
Do Lord, Oh, do Lord, do remember me.
Do Lord, Oh, do Lord, do remember me.
Do Lord, Oh, do Lord, do remember me,
Way beyond the Blue.
I've got a home in Glory Land that outshines the sun,
I've got a home in Glory Land that outshines the sun,
I've got a home in Glory Land that outshines the sun,
Way beyond the Blue.
I took Jesus as My Savior, you take Him too,
I took Jesus as My Savior, you take Him too,
I took Jesus as My Savior, you take Him too,
Way beyond the Blue.
Do Lord, Oh, do Lord, do remember me.
Do Lord, Oh, do Lord, do remember me,
Way beyond the Blue.
I've got a home in Glory Land that outshines the sun,
I've got a home in Glory Land that outshines the sun,
I've got a home in Glory Land that outshines the sun,
Way beyond the Blue.
I took Jesus as My Savior, you take Him too,
I took Jesus as My Savior, you take Him too,
I took Jesus as My Savior, you take Him too,
Way beyond the Blue.
Hebrews 11:13-16
The Message (MSG)
13-16 Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world. People who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home. If they were homesick for the old country, they could have gone back any time they wanted. But they were after a far better country than that—heaven country. You can see why God is so proud of them, and has a City waiting for them.
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