A Better Country

A Better Country is what Hebrews 11 tells us the Old Testament Christians were seeking. This devotional study correlates that thought with our own daily Christian walk.

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13These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.14For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.15And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.16But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
Hebrews 11:13-16, King James Version

After some incredible testimonies of faith, Paul takes an aside for a moment to speak of the object of their faith, and the impetus for their faith. The object of their faith is Christ, and the impetus for their faith is a better country.

Think about that for a minute; is not that what we do as well? It is normal to always be considering one's opportunities and options in the quest for better circumstances. In reality, is that not what just about everyone does? In our careers we look for advancements which bring us better money and more responsibility; in marriage we seek a better life with a partner to help us through the rough spots. We seek to give our children opportunities that we did not have; we desire to see them succeed in areas of which we could only dream.

But what of Abel, Abraham, and Sarah? For what were they seeking? Look at the beautiful wording in the King James Version in verse 1.

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

In other words, they were seeking an eternal country. As a matter of fact, verse 16 explains it in this way.

But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

What a wonderful aside! After all, as Christians that really is the goal, is it not? As Christians, we seek a heavenly country, where God will not be ashamed to be called our God.

Take that thought with you as you go about your duties this day, and pray that God will help you to seek a heavenly country.