One of the first things we did when we got our GPS was to program the “HOME” function . . . not because we don’t know where home is . . . but because we know that no matter where we travel, we’ll always want to get back home. Most times we’ll know our way . . . sometimes we’ll need help at least getting us back to familiar territory . . . many times we don’t need to “push the button” at all . . . but there’s a certain comfort in knowing that we’ll always know how to get home. This morning, I’m kind of thinking it should be that way with our “inner GPS” . . . that our internal guidance system should always be anchored to home . . . and when that’s in place, there’s a “homeland security.”

These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. 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 11:13-16 ESV)

Faith is the fuel of endurance (see yesterday’s post). It is the assurance of things hoped for (11:1) . . . it is the means of comprehending the incomprehensible (11:3) . . . it is the “secret sauce” to pleasing God, “for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him” (11:6) . . . and it is the driver for programming the “HOME” function on our spiritual GPS.

The “hall of faith-ers” I’m reading about this morning desired a better country . . . they coveted a land unseen . . . they strained and stretched, reaching out to touch a city whose designer and builder is God (11:10). It became their context for doing life.

Because of his “HOME” function, Abel offered a better sacrifice . . . because he was aligned to true north, Enoch pleased God and bypassed death . . . Noah built an ark trusting God had charted the course and would captain the ship . . . Abraham ended up going without knowing, confident that his tracking system would lead to the land of promise . . . and Sarah bore life from a dead womb, considering “Him faithful who had promised” (11:11). And at the heart of such trust . . . propelling an obedience which often times defies human wisdom . . . was a homeland security.

How they lived here was influenced by their confidence in what existed there . . . their actions declaring loudly “that they are seeking a homeland.”

Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared for them a city.    (Hebrews 11:16b ESV)

He has prepared a city . . . and even now His blessed Son is putting on the finishing touches . . .

“In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” – Jesus   
                                                                                      (John 14:2-3 ESV)

And by faith, I’ve desired to set my “HOME” function to that “better country.” Not saying I won’t have times when perhaps I wander a bit . . . maybe stray off course . . . possibly get turned around . . . but there’ll always be the security and confidence of knowing which way is home . . .

By His grace . . . for His glory . . .