"Are We There Yet?"

“Are we there yet?” is the periodic cry of children in the midst of being tired of having to sit still in the car for so long and excitedly anticipating the destination toward which was being traveled. Traveling can seem to take a long time, especially for young children. I can remember trips I thought took an unbearably long time that seem like nothing today. Sometimes the challenge to parents (in order to keep their patience from being tested to the limit) is to help their children focus on things which can help the time pass better.

In Hebrews we find a reference to Abraham who headed out on a journey at the command of God. He obediently began the journey toward the land to be given as an inheritance, not knowing where he was going or what might be experienced along the way. ( Hebrews 11:8) It was truly a journey of faith. However, even as he lived in that land he did so as though it was still a “foreign land”, building no permanent dwelling, but instead living in tents. ( Hebrews 11:9) Isaac and Jacob also lived in this manner as they looked forward to a city “whose designer and builder is God.” ( Hebrews 11:10) Abraham and Sarah looked ahead in faith toward descendants which could not be counted ( Hebrews 11:11-12), while journeying through each day of their lives with a DISTANT HOME in view.

The Hebrew writer went on to point out…
“(13) 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. (14) For PEOPLE WHO SPEAK THUS MAKE IT CLEAR that THEY ARE SEEKING A HOMELAND. (15) If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. (16) 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.” ( Hebrews 11:13-16
ESV)

How do we speak? Do we speak and live as those who are stilling “SEEKING A HOMELAND”? Are we holding the same perspective for life that these had? Or do we find ourselves feeling very much at home now? We need to acknowledge we are still on a journey as we continue LOOKING TOWARD the HOME “whose designer and builder is God”? There are things to be focused on as we continue on the journey, but we need to keep in mind that we are NOT HOME YET. As much as we might enjoy many aspects of this life we must be careful we don’t make ourselves so much at home here that we lose our desire for that better heavenly country God has prepared for us.

Someday we will leave this “tent” behind and enter into an eternal dwelling provided by God. ( 2 Corinthians 5:1-5) May we keep pressing on. The journey will be worth enduring regardless of how long it might be.

Have a great day REMEMBERING THERE IS A HEAVELY DWELLING!
Carl

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