”By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise.
Hebrews 11:9New International Version (NIV)
Hebrews 11:9 Devotional
Living by faith
Hebrews 11:9 states that Abraham dwelt in the Promised Land like a stranger (foreigner). That is, once he had set out in faith, he had to continue to walk (live) by faith.
The writer of Hebrews reveals how Abraham made his home in the promised land (how he dwelt in the promise). He, therefore, writes that he had to make his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country.
Abraham lived like a stranger in the promised land because the land was under the occupation of the Canaanites (Genesis 12:6). Moreover, when God promised the land to him and his descendants, it was already in the possession of a group of people.
Therefore, Abraham lived (dwelt) in tents. And this is what makes the Bible refer to him as a stranger in the promised land.
Despite the promised land being under occupation, God told Abraham that his descendants would possess it. And this is the same thing God is telling us today. That our current status or situation does not mean we’re not living in the promise. Rather, our current status is very much alive within God’s promise(s) for each one of us.
God’s promises
Moreover, God’s promises are like living organisms. His promises expand as you live them out.
Therefore, once Abraham landed in Canaan, God gave him the promise of the Land. However, the promise was futuristic, not for his time.
This, therefore, means that God promised Abraham the land, but He did not give it to him immediately. He unraveled his plan over a long (future) period of time – remember God’s promises expand as you live them out.
Life of Faith
Consequently, the life of faith is a journey that is both within the promise(s) and towards the fulfillment of the promise(s) of God. There are therefore no instant results. The fulfillment of the promises is for the future.
Additionally, there is no comfort zone – we have to keep following God’s lead. This is why Abraham lived in tents – he could not dwell permanently in a given place for the promise was yet to be fulfilled. And that’s why it will take faith to hold on to the promise(s) of God as we await its/their fulfillment in our lives.
Prayer/Blessing
May you continue to hold onto God’s promise(s). Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Matthew 12 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
