strangers and pilgrims

A murder victim. A father. A conservative. A wanderer. An old woman. A promise. A deceiver. A slave. A runaway. A harlot. A doubter. A failure. An offering.

The commonality? They were all noted in Hebrews 11 as having great faith.

Hebrews 11:13-16

"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."

God's eternal perspective redefines the economy of our lives. Values are shifted. Dreams are altered. Our pursuits channeled from many to one encompassing goal; to know Him.

I believe He is more concerned by Who are seeking, then what we accomplish on earth. All that is earthly will disappear with our last breath, but knowing God will be an eternal concern.

The men and women mentioned above, in obedience, in weakness, in purity, in failing, and in sin, pursued the eternal. And God is not ashamed to be called their God.

I find that so encouraging.