Hebrews 11:13
Hebrews 11 recalls the lives of Abel, Abraham, Moses, and many others who lived by faith. These heroes knew of God’s promise and placed their hope in it, yet they never saw its complete fulfillment in their lifetime. They endured many hardships without receiving what was promised (v. 39). Even so, they welcomed it from a distance (v. 13), fully aware that they were merely sojourners and foreigners on this earth.
The meaning is clear: though they lived in the world, they had their eyes fixed on something far better. This vision inspired them to endure suffering and press forward. Their faith reminded them that they were strangers here, and that a greater reality awaited them—something infinitely better than anything on earth. For this hope, “they suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned; they were sawn in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented” (vv. 36–37).
Truly, “the world was not worthy of them” (v. 38). Their hearts longed for “a better country—a heavenly one” (v. 16).
Today, we too must remember that we are strangers and pilgrims here. Yet many of us live as if this is our permanent home, laboring endlessly to gather riches and wealth. As Pastor Thangngur once said so well, “Those who saw and received it do not have it forever.” Indeed, no one lives forever. Our lives are like clouds that appear for a moment and then vanish. But how easily we forget about that better country.
Amid the noise, ambition, and endless chase for wealth, let us lift our eyes toward our true home—a place prepared for us in heaven, where we will dwell forever with our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
-Rev. Dr. James R. Ruolngul
