Verse of the Day 6/5

Verse of the Day 6/5

Hebrews 11:16   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.   English Standard Version (ESV)

The other day I posted Revelation 22:21 and we considered the Apostle John's statement "come, Lord Jesus."  We should be looking forward to His return.  Today's read through the New Testament plan was in John 14 where we read that a place is being prepared for us.  It will be our eternal home, something greater, beyond all that we can ever imagine.

Today's verse comes from the middle of Hebrews 11, the "Hall of Faith" and it shares the same idea that John mentioned and it is the hope of believers, God followers through the ages.  Something that we should take notice of here is that "God is not ashamed" to be the God of people who have such a desire.

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."

It is not that we are looking to escape this world.  While we're here, we should make the most of it, to God be the glory.  At the same time, this world is not an end to itself, it is not our final destination.  For those who belong to Jesus, His return is good news.  It means that we will be with Him forever in the place that He has prepared for us.

I came to know Jesus as my Savior as a child.  I learned the following song as a child and it still rings true today as I, as we look forward to His return.

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

Oh 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

--   In Christ,  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 11:16 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.