Each of these people had a faith that "looked forward."
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation."
- Hebrews 11:1-2 ESV
Some of these people had a faith and trust in the Lord that was so strong, they kept believing even though they didn't live to see the promises fulfilled, such as Abraham and Sarah. This is because their perspective was eternal, not temporary.
"For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God."
- Hebrews 11:10 ESV
Again, they were "looking forward" to God's ultimate plans. Not for temporary or immediate gratification.
As you read this section, I want you to notice the depth of the perspective being pointed out here. Life on earth is a temporary journey for those who truly trust in God. The concept that we're merely nomads or foreigners here on earth isn't something that we're not accustomed to. Worship songs today even reference this concept:
I'm goin' home
Where the streets are golden
Every chain is broken
Oh I wanna go
Oh I wanna go
Home
Where every fear is gone
I'm in your open arms
Where I belong
Home
- Home, Chris Tomlin
But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings
That there will be a place with no more suffering
There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears
There will be a day when the burdens of this place,
Will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face
But until that day, we'll hold on to you always
- There Will Be a Day, Jeremy Camp
As the book of Hebrews indicates, we are "strangers and exiles on the earth."
It's this kind of faith that can get us through some incredibly difficult times:
So like these leaders of the Old Testament, I want to encourage you to accept God's promises, even if that means that they are greeted from afar. This is the kind of faith that we need, especially today, and the kind of faith that the writer of Hebrews wants to inspire in those who read this letter.
