November 14, 2023 - Hebrews 11-13

Are these greatly encouraging chapters or what? “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (11:1). “By faith we . . . By faith Abel . . . By faith Enoch . . . By faith Noah . . .By faith Abraham . . . By faith Moses . . . By faith the people . . .” All these, and we, “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” (11:16).

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (12:1,2).

It is sort of like running a race, isn’t it? You're tired, huffing and puffing, you sense the finish line is up there somewhere, and suddenly, you hear the cheers and encouragements from family and friends and the whole crowd there. Though bone tired, you’re able to pick up your pace just a bit and finish with a big smile on your face. Wow, think about it! Abel and Enoch and Noah and Abraham and Moses and all the rest are cheering us on! That's some good stuff! One day, we will be truly home!

I’m but a stranger here,

Heaven is my home;

Earth is a desert drear;

Heaven is my home:

Danger and sorrow stand

Round me on every hand;

Heaven is my fatherland,

Heaven is my home.

What though the tempest rage,

Heaven is my home;

Short is my pilgrimage,

Heaven is my home:

And time’s wild wintry blast

Soon shall be overpast;

I shall reach home at last,

Heaven is my home. -- Thomas Rawson Taylor (1847)