Hebrews 11:8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out… I. WHY HEAVEN IS LIKENED TO A CITY. The description implies — 1. Safety. Its walls are too high to be sealed by the wily foe, too firmly built to be beaten down; its gates are too strong to be forced, and He who possesses the keys too wise not to discover a friend from a foe, under whatever disguise, when seeking admittance. He that laid the foundations of the holy city is Himself its Guardian. 2. Society. It is a delightful thing to think of meeting with our Christian friends who have long since gone to their rest, to see the prophets who foretold the day of Christ.. 3. The permanence of its enjoyments. Heaven is a city that stands; the stream of time, the ocean of eternity, as it washes its base, shall in vain attempt to undermine it, for it has foundations that cannot be moved. II. WHAT IS IMPLIED IN THE EXPRESSION THAT ABRAHAM LOOKED FOR THE CITY. 1. A belief in its existence. 2. A desire to have a place in it. 3. An actual preparation for it. III. THE EFFECTS RESULTING FROM THE CONTEMPLATION OF THE HEAVENLY STATE. 1. It should moderate our attachment to worldly objects. 2. It should endue us with patience under all the afflictions and trials which it may be ours to suffer. 3. It should make us anxious to lead others to seek it. (James Clason.) Parallel Verses KJV: By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. |
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