Verse of the Day 12/16

Verse of the Day 12/16

Hebrews 11:16

English Standard Version

16 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.

If you watch the news, you should be aware of the situation at our southern border.  Thousands of people line up every day and cross our borders. No matter which side of trhe political spectrum that you are on, you probably realize that most of the people truly want to live in a better place.  Have a better chance to raise a family where their needs can be met.  If you were in their place, you'd probably feel the same way.

As Christians we too, desire somethjing better.  It is beyond this world, beyond this country and our hearts are set on one day arriving there with Jesus ready to meet us and usher us into the city, the home that has been prepared for us.

Back in Romans 1:16 the Apostle Paul wrote "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God to salvation".  Here, the writer of Hebrews says "God is not ashamed to be called their God."  Stop and think about that.  Inserrt your name there.  If your desire is to be with Jesus in heaven, He won't be ashamed to be called your God.

John Piper writes, "therefore" signals that a reason has just been given for why God is not ashamed to be called our God. The reason is their desire. They desire a better country — that is, a better country than the earthly one they live in; namely, a heavenly one where God is....When we desire this heavenly city — this dwelling place of God — more than we desire all that this world can give, God is not ashamed to be called our God. When we make much of all that he promises to be for us, he is proud to be our God. This is good news. "

Piper goes on to say "There are many people who water down what saving faith is by making it a mere decision with no change of what one desires and seeks. But the point of this text is that living and dying by faith means having new desires and seeking new satisfactions.....The city of God will be perfect, because God will be in it. He will walk in it and talk in it and manifest himself in every part of it. All that is good and beautiful and holy and peaceful and true and happy will be there, because God will be there. "

What is your hearts desire?

1. This world is not my home, I'm just a-passing through,
   My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue;
   The angels beckon me from heaven's open door,
   And I can't feel at home in this world anymore.
   • Refrain:
     O Lord, You know I have no friend like You,
     If heaven's not my home, then, Lord, what will I do?
     The angels beckon me from heaven's open door,
     And I can't feel at home in this world anymore.
2. They're all expecting me, and that's one thing I know—
   My Savior pardoned me, and now I onward go;
   I know He'll take me through though I am weak and poor,
   And I can't feel at home in this world anymore.

Blessings,

Mike

Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace.  NIV

Hebrews 11:15-18

English Standard Version

15 If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 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.

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, 18 of whom it was said, "Through Isaac shall your offspring be named."