READ: Heb. 11:7-16: … These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland …
The author now writes about the faith of Abraham. He obediently allowed himself to be led to the land of promise by God’s calling. However, it was not yet his own land, and he felt like a stranger there. Yet, it was a matter of faith for him. Additionally, he and Sarah were faced with what seemed like a dead-end, humanly speaking. How could they have offspring at their age? Nevertheless, God had promised them a very large posterity.
Once again, faith in God proves to be the firm foundation for hope in its fulfillment, even though it seemed difficult. Verse 11 says, “By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.” This is a beautiful testimony of faith, worked by God Himself!
During this time of waiting, Abraham had a steadfast hope in the city with foundations (v.10). He lived in tents and had no possessions in Canaan except a burial place for his wife. He knew that earthly life is transient. However, in faith, he also knew his ultimate destination with God. His firm hope was that he would one day dwell in a city whose designer and builder is God Himself. This city (with foundations) will never perish.
God will gather all His people there, in the New Jerusalem (Heb. 12:22). Therefore, Abraham was merely a stranger and sojourner on earth, even in the land God had promised him.
This also applies to others mentioned here. The hope of salvation with God made them not seek riches and pleasures of this world. They had a calling on earth to live believing in God and testifying to the hope within them. In this, they serve as an example to us.
Are we really looking for another homeland?
Singing: Ps. 105:4