Foreigners and Strangers on EarthНамуна

THE PATRIARCHS

Here are the characteristics of the life of the patriarchs which we can find in Hebrews 11:13-16:

• They died in faith (v.13). The righteous live by faith (Romans 1:17; Hebrews 10:36-39), that is, they begin their journey by faith, and then continue to walk by faith. Enoch is an example of this (Genesis 5:21-24; Hebrews 11:5,6).
• They saw the things promised (v.13).This also involves faith (Hebrews 11:1). Despite not receiving the promised things, they still perceived them as real and acknowledged it (John 8:56).
• They admitted to being foreigners and strangers on earth (v.13). Being a stranger is often something that makes one feel ashamed or embarrassed. The patriarchs accepted this fact (Genesis 23:3-6).
• They did not return to where they had come from (v. 15). Even though they had enough time and opportunity, the patriarchs steered clear of this because of their faith.
• They longed for the heavenly homeland (v. 16). The patriarchs looked forward, not back. They were looking for a homeland, not regretting one they had left. For these nomads, God had prepared a city. He is not ashamed of those who are not ashamed to be known as His (Luke 9:26).