By Faith They Looked For Something Better

How will you die?

One thing I love about this passage is that it talks about the way the faithful patriarchs died. The author of Hebrews shows us that they died the same way they lived—in faith.

Throughout my ministry, I’ve been around death a lot. So much, that one could say that it has shaped everything about my academic and intellectual life, and has shaped everything about my ministry.

While all people die, I’ve noted that not all people die the same. Those who live by faith die by faith. And for those who die in faith, death can be beautiful.

A principle for us today: People die the same way they lived.

 

They trust even when they do not see.

In vs. 13a, the author of Hebrews notes that the patriarchs died without ever seeing the things God promised and that they lived for. He says, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises.” Imagine what this would be like. God promised Abraham that he would multiply his descendants and make him a great nation. Abraham saw the first signs of this, but nothing close to what it would become. And for many of these faithful brothers and sisters, they were born, lived, and died without ever seeing with their physical eyes the things that God promised. Yet, they believed. And yet, they lived in faith.

It is often the case that we never see the full result of our faithfulness. It is often the case that we only see a small slice in our lifetime, even if it grows to something much more massive when we are gone. 

Jesus’ Reference to Abraham. Here Jesus says Abraham rejoiced to see his Day. What did that mean? Read in isolation, it makes no sense. But Jesus was making the same point that the author of Hebrews is making. Abraham was obedient because God gave him a glimpse of what was to come to fulfillment in Christ. John 8:56-59—“Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.”

Faith requires us to trust even when we do not see.

They are increasingly unsettled in this world, and long for another.

In vs. 13b-14, the author of Hebrews shows us that they lived their lives seeking something beyond this world. He says, “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.” This is perhaps the most crucial part of the text for us. The author here speaks as one for whom this world has lost its appeal. Despite the pleasures and treasures this world affords us, he feels like a stranger in it. Like he doesn’t belong, and just wants to go to a home where true rest and satisfaction are found. As such, he is on a pilgrimage as he passes through this life, living and looking for something else beyond which satisfies.

“For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland.”

Moses. Heb. 11:24-27 -“By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,  esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.”

6:19-21. “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Thus, our hearts are to be set on the things to come, not the things before us.

They set their minds on what is above and beyond.

In vs. 15, the author tells us that they disciplined their minds by refusing to focus on the passing pleasures of the world. He says, “And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return.” In other words, these believers refused to focus on all the “good things” they left behind. In its lust, the flesh will always bring to remembrance the things you once enjoyed but forsook to follow Jesus. But worse, it will romanticize those things and lie to you to make you think they, and only they, can satisfy your soul. It is a lie. And the one who follows after Christ by faith

1. sets their mind on the things above, and
2. continually turns their minds away from reflecting on the “good ole days” that once brought such pleasure.

Here the author points to both Abraham, and Moses, who he is about to consider, as examples of those who refused to set their minds on the things of this earth.

The Lady in My Church Who left her Husband for HS Sweetheart. She was frustrated by her husband’s looks, money, and the status of her marriage. Convinced her old flame would satisfy her, she left her husband and kids. I see them on Facebook. What a lie she bought into.

II Cor. 3-6. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.”

Sow a Thought - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sow a thought, reap an action

Sow an action, reap a habit

Sow a habit, reap a character

Sow a character, reap a destiny

Thus, we turn our minds from the things of earth.

They are rewarded by God.

In vs. 16, the author shows us that God rewarded their faith. He says, “But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” Here the simply notes that God rewarded them. The reward? God identifies with them and prepares a city for them. The first part is the greater part. For God to identify with us is for us to receive His favor, blessings, love, and communion. And with those people, He builds a city for them, a home, heaven.

John 14:1-4. “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

Revelation 21:19-21:  The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with every kind of jewel. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, transparent as glass. 

-Revelation 22:3-5: No longer will there be a curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.  

Thus, we wait for our reward.

 

Conclusion

1. How does your faith handle it when things don’t go the way you thought they would, and you don’t see God’s favor?
2. Do you feel at home here in the world, or do you long for something greater?
3. Do you discipline your mind from returning to dwell on this world’s pleasures?
4. Are you waiting for your reward?