Telescopic Vision
When Joshua led the Israelites into the promised land, he knew it was going to be difficult. The Canaanites hated the Israelites and wanted to wipe them out. But before they even got into the promised land, they would have to cross a flooding Jordan river. To accomplished the task, Joshua focused with telescopic vision on the promise God made to his fathers, that they would inherit the land, become a great nation and be a blessing to the world.
Today, we see the author of Hebrews addressing the Jews who are having a hard time believing. They heard the word of God and they witnessed the life of Jesus second hand. They knew in their hearts that what they heard was true. But because of the suffering and persecution they were facing, they could not come to grips with it. They saw God’s works, His plan and His salvation from afar, but they could not believe it. The author is imploring the Jews to believe as Joshua did.
Scripture
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.
Bible Study Questions
This week’s passage speaks of the immense faith Abraham, Isaac and Jacob had in the things promised but not seen. What other examples in scripture can you think of where someone had faith to believe in things seen from afar? (Heb 11:13), (Jos 3:13-16)
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were all heirs of the same promise. What was that promise? (Heb 11:9), (Gen 12:1-3)
Verse 11:13 says that the Israelites were strangers and exiles on the earth. What does that mean? What dangers would they face if they didn’t live like this? (Heb 11:13), (1Ch 29:15), (2Ch 33:6)
In the passage, we learn that the Israelites were looking for a homeland. What homeland is the author referring to? (Heb 11:14), (Jos 1:13)
Verse 11:16 says that the Israelites were seeking a better country, a heavenly one. What parallels can you find between God’s call to Abraham and the heavenly country the author speaks about? (Heb: 11:16), (Gen 12:7), (Joh 14:3)
The passage ends by saying that God has prepared for the Israelites a city. This presents an amazing promise and incredible hope, despite what we see in the world around us. What do you think of when you think of this city in heaven? (Heb 11:16), (Rev 21:1-27)
The Israelites lived as sojourners in the lands they occupied so that they would not take on the practices and characteristics of those lands. How does this apply to us, in this day and age? (Heb 11:13)
Prayer
Father, thank you for the wonderful promise you have given us, that there is a city you are building for us and a home in heaven. The thought is almost too much to bear. Help is to understand the magnitude of this reality and help us to set it at the forefront of our minds. Although we cannot see your city, we are reminded of it every day by the mercies and gifts you give us continuously. Thank you, Father. Please help us to live our lives as though we are already in your Holy City and let us live as though we are merely passing through the places we find ourselves. Let us not take on the practices and characteristics of these places. We humbly ask these things in the faithful name of Jesus Christ.
Worship
When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way;
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey,
For there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise,
Not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear,
Not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Not a burden we bear,
Not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss,
Not a frown or a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.
But we never can prove
The delights of His love,
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows,
And the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet,
Or we'll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do;
Where He sends, we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Service
The most important thing we learn from today’s scripture is that we need to believe in what God has promised us, regardless of what places we find ourselves in. Often we find ourselves in places better than others. Sometimes it’s the other way around. Think of ways you can help those who are in worse off places than you. What simple things can you do to those around you who are struggling? Prayer is always the best starting point. What else can you do? Would a meal help? Would encouragement help? Do you know someone else you could introduce them to, that could help. Whatever it is, big or small, do it in the name of Jesus Christ and try to share your testimony with them during the process.