Strangers and Pilgrims

Hebrews 11 begins, Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen. Faith looks at God’s promises as solid ground. By faith we understand that the universe has been framed by the word of God. Verse 6 adds a key principle: Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him.

The chapter then moves through Israel’s history. Abel, Enoch and Noah trusted God before the flood. Abraham obeyed when he was called and went out, not knowing where he went. He lived in tents, for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. These people confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. They desired a better country, a heavenly one, and God is not ashamed to be called their God.

Isaac, Jacob and Joseph spoke in faith about things to come. Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter and endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Rahab welcomed the spies in peace. The writer says time would fail to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets. Some were rescued, and others suffered greatly. All these did not receive the promise in their lifetime, for God provided some better thing concerning us, so that apart from us they should not be made perfect.