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. THE OBJECT OF ABRAHAM'S DESIRE: "A city which hath foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God." This was the view under which the future state was presented to him; and it suggests — 1. The immortality of its inhabitants. The city " hath foundations," and shall evermore endure. 2. The changelessness of its enjoyments. This is also intimated by the term "foundations." Its happiness is permanent. 3. The glory of the state. "Whose Builder is God," that is, in a special sense. It displays, in a peculiar degree, His power, wisdom, and goodness. 4. Common participation. There is society. This multiplies happiness to angels and saints. 5. Perfect moral order. "Whose Maker is God." II. PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS WHICH THIS SINGULAR, BUT INSTRUCTIVE, CONDUCT OF ABRAHAM SUGGESTS. He chose the pilgrim's life, and dwelt in tents rather than inhabit a city on earth. 1. We are taught by this conduct of Abraham the true ground of the eminent piety of God's ancient saints. 2. We are taught to regulate our choice in life by our superior regard to the interests of the soul. 3. We are taught a noble indifference to the accommodation of our pilgrimage. 4. We are taught to be willing to make sacrifices for the religious good of others. (R. Watson.) 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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