The Meaning Of Hebrews 11:13 In 2023

The Context of Hebrews 11:13

Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the “Hall of Faith” or the “Faith Chapter” in the Bible. It lists many heroes of the faith, including Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, and others. Hebrews 11:13 is a verse in that chapter and reads, “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.”

Living by Faith

What does it mean to live by faith? It means to trust in something or someone you cannot see or touch. It means to believe in something that has not yet happened. It means to have confidence in the promises of God, even when they seem impossible or unlikely. Living by faith is not easy, but it is essential for anyone who wants to please God and experience His blessings.

The Things Promised

What were the things promised that these heroes of the faith did not receive in their lifetimes? They were promised a better country, a heavenly one (Hebrews 11:16). They were promised a city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God (Hebrews 11:10). They were promised a savior, who would deliver them from sin and death (Hebrews 9:28). They were promised a resurrection, a new body, and eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:51-57). These are the things that they saw and welcomed from a distance, but did not experience fully in their lifetimes.

The Significance of Hebrews 11:13 in 2023

Hebrews 11:13 has a lot of significance for us in 2023. We are living in a time when the world is changing rapidly. We are facing many challenges, including climate change, pandemics, political instability, and economic uncertainty. It is easy to lose hope and give up in the face of such challenges. But Hebrews 11:13 reminds us that we are not alone. We are part of a long line of faithful people who have gone before us. They too faced difficult times and did not receive all the things promised in their lifetimes. But they persevered in faith, and their example encourages us to do the same.

Foreigners and Strangers on Earth

Hebrews 11:13 also reminds us that we are foreigners and strangers on earth. This world is not our home. We are just passing through. Our true home is in heaven, where we will be with God forever. This perspective can help us to keep our priorities straight and not get too attached to the things of this world. We can focus on what really matters: loving God and loving others.

Welcoming the Promises from a Distance

Finally, Hebrews 11:13 encourages us to welcome the promises of God from a distance. We may not see all the things that God has promised us come to fruition in our lifetimes, but we can still have faith that they will happen. We can trust that God is faithful and that He will keep His promises. We can look forward to the day when we will be with Him in heaven, and all our struggles and sorrows will be over.

Conclusion

Hebrews 11:13 is a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, perseverance, and hope. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles, and that we are part of a long line of faithful people who have gone before us. It encourages us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, and to trust in His promises, even when they seem impossible or unlikely. May we all be inspired by the example of the heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11, and may we live by faith, welcoming the promises of God from a distance, until the day we see them fulfilled in all their glory.