The Better County
Text: “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 11.16 ESV)
God isn’t embarrassed by His association with faith-filled people. When someone lives with genuine faith —trusting God’s promises, walking in obedience, hoping in eternal realities—God takes pleasure in being identified as their God. “The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” becomes a title of honor, not obligation.
Why? Because faith honors God by taking Him at His Word. When you live as though God’s promises are true, you demonstrate that you consider Him trustworthy. When you make sacrifices based on eternal rewards, you show that you value His approval above human applause. When you endure hardship with hope, you testify that His strength is sufficient.
The “better country” these heroes desired wasn’t just an upgraded earthly kingdom. It was a fundamentally different kind of existence—life in unbroken fellowship with God, unmarred by sin, unthreatened by death, unlimited by time. They glimpsed this reality through God’s promises and found it so compelling that earthly pleasures paled in comparison.
This heavenly focus doesn’t diminish earthly life—it illuminates it. When you know your ultimate destination, you can navigate present challenges with purpose and peace. When you’re confident of your eternal inheritance, you can be generous with temporary resources. When you’re certain of resurrection, you can face mortality with courage.
God has prepared more than just forgiveness for you—He’s prepared a place, a position, a future that exceeds your highest imagination.
Application: Spend time today contemplating the “better country” God has prepared for you. How should this eternal perspective influence your decisions and priorities this week?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I’m honored that You are not ashamed to be called my God. Thank You for preparing a heavenly country that surpasses earthly beauty. Help me live today in light of that eternal destination, making choices that reflect Your eternal values. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Responses