"Instead, they were longing for a better country-a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." (Hebrews 11:16)
I began to consider this verse: If God is not ashamed to be called their God, what would make Him feel ashamed to be called their God? The answer was right there—God would feel ashamed to be called their God if they had not believed His promise.
The men and women listed in Hebrews "Hall of Faith" people lived as if there was heaven to gain and hell to shun. Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and more … they all "were still living by faith when they died" (v.13). They didn't give up! They didn't throw in the towel just because they didn't see the manifestation of their promise during their lifetimes. Their walk of faith wasn't dependent on what God could or would give them—they already knew what He had promised.
Today we have even greater revelation of the power of God's promises through 2 Corinthians 1:20. Paul tells us, "For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God." In other words, what God promised—no matter what He has promised—Jesus ratified and sealed that promise by His blood so the Father is glorified.
To put it simply, God said, "Yes, I will be your God and you will be my people." Jesus shed His blood as a seal of the covenant and said, "Amen! God will indeed be your God and you will indeed be His people!"
Are you living like you believe His promises? Or, are you in danger of causing the Lord to feel ashamed to be called your God?
Trust Him! Believe Him! Know that He is willing and able to keep His promises to you!
"[Abraham] staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness." (Romans 4:20-22 KJV)
Father, there are times we struggle with our faith—those times are hard because what we see with our eyes is not the same as what we read in Your Word. But just like so many whom You call faithful listed in Hebrews 11, Lord, we want to trust You, believe You, and be assured that You are not ashamed to be called our God. Lord, help us to stand firm regardless what the circumstances say and trust You with all our hearts. Help us to live in full assurance of Your promises, not moved by circumstances. Help us to believe so You will be glorified through our lives. In Jesus' name, amen.
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)
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©Jan Ross
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