8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

Hebrews 11:8-16 (KJV)

Consider the Apostle’s description of faith as the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen, and that all the ones mentioned never received the promises while on this earth. 

Abraham died believing the promises of God but never seen them come to pass. The human need these verses to understand that death doesn’t strip us of the promises but connects us to them. Abraham understood he was a sojourner on earth, and he looked forward to the heavenly city.

By faith, Abraham left his home

(Hebrews 11:8-10)

Abraham was called by God. (Romans 8:28-30)
Abraham heard God’s call and obeyed. God’s ultimate purpose for Abraham was to be conformed to the image of Christ. The calling to leave his home was the beginning of the calling to be conformed to the image of Christ. (John 10:27)

Abraham saw Christ from afar.
Abraham saw Him and loved Him and spent His whole life obeying the heavenly calling. (John 8:56-59) Abraham believed in God and acted on what he knew to be true. Faith is what connects us to God. (Hebrews.11:9)

How could Abraham do this his whole life? He believed what God said. He wanted that city more than the one he had. (Hebrews 11:10) Abraham’s faith began to function. He saw the city of his inheritance. He saw the lights from his tent opening and longed for it more than he ever wanted to be back home. 

There is a big difference between Abraham’s longing for the new city and the Hebrews who left Egypt longing for slavery and Egypt. All they could do is look back in unbelief while all Abraham could do is look forward in faith.

By faith, Abraham had descendants

(Hebrews 11:11-12, Genesis 15:4-5, Romans 4:19-25)

Sarah considered herself worn out and her husband old. Abraham, meanwhile, continued in faith believing that no matter how things looked, God would keep His Word. God would fulfill His promise. No matter if Sarah’s womb was not functioning, God would keep His promise.

Living and dying in faith

(Hebrews 11:13-16)

Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob all died in faith not having received the things promised. This is important for us to consider. While alive, they acknowledged that they were waiting on a better city. Yet while alive, he didn’t receive the promise. God promised Abraham a land yet all his life he dwelt in tents. God promised a multitude of descendants and yet at his death, Abraham only had sons and grandsons. 

God is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob not 1000 years ago, but right now. They are alive and well in their land of promise. Their eternal inheritance is currently being enjoyed by them because God is the God of the living.

Keep in mind that the Lord cares for His children and we experience a little of His goodness while on earth. But His ultimate love and promises are to be experienced in the life to come. Don’t expect heaven on earth. Don’t expect your best life now. By faith, expect it later.  There is a city waiting for us.