October 5, 2017 – Hebrews 13:14

For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come. Hebrews 13:14.

I’m a pilgrim, and I’m a stranger…the lyrics of a song come to my mind as I read this verse.  As we grow up everything seems ‘forever’ in one place without change.

What if Adam and Even had been obedient and never had to leave the Garden of Eden? What if Abraham told God, “Why me?  Can’t You get someone else to travel for You?”  Jonah ran away from God. He was not successful.  No one hides from God.

  The Chosen People of Israel did not obey God, and many were exiled in Babylon – not their home.  He (Jeremiah) sent a letter to those of us in Babylon predicting that our exile will be a long one. He actually said we should settle in this place—building homes and planting gardens of food that we can enjoy for many years.’” Jeremiah 29:28. 

We are in this world, filled with evil.  For how long? What will happen?  Is there a way to escape?  How?  Our Lord God has given us a way of salvation — an ultimate escape from the evil of this world.  His Son, Jesus, is the answer, it is the key to living in peace, in love, by the River of Forgiveness and Joy.

How does this kind of living begin — through sacrifice of our praise to God. Following Jesus includes proclaiming allegiance with our words, our thoughts and our actions.

God lifts me high above those with thoughts of death and deceit that call for my life.  I will enter His presence, offering sacrifices and praise. In His house, I am overcome with joy, As I sing, yes, and play music for the Eternal alone. Psalm 27:6.

Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.
Hebrews 13:15.