Joshua Cantrell
As we walk with God and commune with God, there is nothing more important than our faith. The word occurs over 200 times in the Bible. Scripture emphasizes the importance of faith. The just shall live by faith (Rom.1:17). We are justified by faith (Rom. 5:1). Faith is the victory that overcomes the world (I Jn. 5:4). As [we] read Hebrews 11, we see how faith works. The Hebrew writer gives us the accounts of many lives to show us that there are rewards for those who remain faithful. These saints were suffering a great deal of persecution, so he encourages them by showing they are not alone. Often, we think we are the only ones who are going through something. We must remember we have an entire Bible teaching us that others have already overcome those things.
He gets to this section of Hebrews 11 where he discussed the life of Abraham and Sarah. The Bible says, “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (Heb. 11:10). They kept their eyes and focus on something greater than this life. We must remember to do the same as we go through life as well.
THEY LOOKED FOR A CITY THAT WAS REAL
As we look forward to the great day our God has for us, we must remember that heaven is a real place. Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (Jn. 14:1-6). This is a promise from our Lord. We often sing the song, “Don’t you want to go to that land?” What a glorious day that will be!
THEY LOOKED FOR A REACHABLE CITY
There are many goals we set for ourselves in life. Recently, I was watching a program and the emphasis was on who can become a millionaire the fastest. While many of us won’t reach that goal, heaven is reachable. God has promised us if we are “faithful unto death, he will give us a crown of life” (Rev. 2:10). Paul says, “There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, and not to me only, but unto all them that love his appearing” (2 Tim. 4:8). As we set our goals for ourselves and our families, don’t forget about heaven.
THEY LOOKED FOR A REWARDING CITY
At the end of a long race or task, there is always a reward given to those who come in first place. We applaud them and recognize they are the winner. Each one of us can come in first place in this race. This race is not a sprint, but a marathon. The Hebrews writer writes, “Let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb.12:1-2). Heaven will be the greatest reward anyone could ever dream of. We will be with our God for all eternity.
CONCLUSION
The songwriter writes, “Heaven is a beautiful place, filled with glory and grace. I want to see my savior’s face.” Heaven is a place that is real, reachable, and rewarding. May we each continue to live a life that exemplifies the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
—South Florida Church of Christ Messenger
Vol. 77, No. 2, January 10. 2023