Hebrews 11:13-16 (WEB) These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and embraced them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. 15 If indeed they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had enough time to return. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
V13 “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and embraced them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” “The promises” refer to the promises given to Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 15). They understood that when God promises unconditionally, those promises will happen (Isaiah 55:11 and Ezekiel 12:25). So it is for all the promises in the Bible to Israel and/or to Christians. There is the promise of the heavenly kingdom and city. Thus, our real citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). Being citizens of heaven, we, all, are ambassadors sent by God to be salt and light to the world and God’s ways (2 Corinthians 5:20).
V14 “For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own.” “Say such things” is the confession they made in V13. See Genesis 12:7, Genesis 17:6-8, and Genesis 49:10. That country is the city and world that God reigns in. On earth, this is found in Zechariah 14 and Revelation 20:1-6. In heaven, it is Revelation 21:1-2.
V15 “If indeed they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had enough time to return.” Abraham had come from Ur of the Chaldees (Genesis 15:7). Abraham proved his faith by not returning. Likewise, people who place their faith in Jesus Christ alone, have opportunity to return to their pre-Christian life. See 2 Timothy 4:10 (Demas) and Luke 9:62. May we all remain faithful.
V16 “But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” The Greek word for “ashamed” is (G1870) ἐπαισχύνομαι epaischúnomai, which means ashamed. See Mark 8:38 and Hebrews 2:11. He is not ashamed because they have faith and are living in faith by their actions. God prepared the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:14-15 and Matthew 25:41) for those who refuse or will not believe in Jesus Christ. God has prepared a city (Hebrews 12:22 and Revelation 21:2) for those who believe. Some understand the “heavenly” one to be the Kingdom of Jesus Christ on earth.
We learn:
- Faith has actions
- Faith has a future
- God’s promises are true