Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11:13-16 (ESV)
These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 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 (Hebrews 11:13-16).
Brief Thoughts on the Sermon:
Last week we focused on what God is doing: his promises, his movement, and his unfolding purposes. This week we turn the question forward: what does a faithful life look like right now while those promises are still unfolding?
Hebrews 11 reminds us that faith is not lived only when God speaks a promise, and not only when that promise is fulfilled. Faith is lived in the middle, in ordinary days, unfinished seasons, and long stretches of waiting. The people described here trusted God deeply, even though they did not receive everything God had promised within their lifetime. Scripture does not portray them as disappointed or resentful, but as steady, hopeful, and forward-looking.
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