Hebrews 11:13-22 NKJV
13 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. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,” 19 concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.
22 By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.
Hebrews 11:13-22 continues to unfold the rich tapestry of faith, highlighting the unwavering trust of our spiritual forebears in the promises of God. These verses serve as a beacon of hope and encouragement, reminding us of the faithfulness of God throughout the ages.
The writer of Hebrews begins by emphasizing that these faithful individuals, though they died without receiving the full realization of God’s promises, embraced them from afar. Their faith looked beyond the present circumstances, anchoring itself in the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
We are heirs to this legacy of faith. Like our spiritual ancestors, we walk by faith, not by sight. We trust in the promises of God, even when they seem distant or delayed. For we know that He who has promised is faithful, and He will fulfill His word in His perfect timing.
The writer then highlights the faith of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who lived as strangers and pilgrims in the land of promise, looking forward to a heavenly homeland prepared for them by God. Despite facing trials and tribulations, they held fast to the hope of the coming Messiah, the fulfillment of God’s covenant promises.
Their faith was not passive but active, evidenced by their obedience and trust in God’s guidance. Abraham, the father of faith, obeyed God’s call to leave his homeland and journey to a land he did not know. Isaac, the child of promise, blessed his sons in faith, trusting in God’s sovereign plan. And Jacob, the recipient of the birthright, worshipped in faith, leaning on his staff as he blessed Joseph’s sons.
Today, we are called to emulate the faith of our spiritual ancestors. Like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, may we obediently follow God’s call, trusting in His guidance and provision.
Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit. By that same Spirit give us a right judgment in all things that we may have and always rejoice in his holy comfort; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.