Seeing backward

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off.  — Hebrews 11:13

My husband and I rode the train backward from Grand Rapids to Chicago last summer. Sitting in seats that faced the rear of the train, all we could see was where we had been, not where we were going. Buildings, lakes, and trees flew by the window after we had passed them. I didn’t like it. I’d rather see where I’m going.

Sometimes we may feel that way about life too  wishing we could see ahead. We’d like to know how certain situations are going to turn out, how God is going to answer our prayers. But all we can know is where we’ve been. That is, if it were not for faith.

The “faith chapter” of the Bible, Hebrews 11, tells us about two realities that some people in Old Testament times could see by faith. It speaks of Noah, Abraham and Sarah, who all died in faith, “having seen [the promises] afar off.” They “embraced them” and looked forward to “a better . . . heavenly country” (vv. 13, 16). Besides the promise of heaven, verse 27 tells us that by faith Moses could also see “Him who is invisible,” meaning Christ.

While we don’t know the outcome of today’s struggles, believers in Jesus can by faith see forward to where we’re going: We will have a heavenly home where we will live with Jesus forever.  — Anne Cetas

The future is seen in the Bible —

This knowledge with us God has shared;

By faith we can see the invisible,

The glory that He has prepared. — Hess

READ: Heb. 11:13-16, 23-27

The promise of heaven is our eternal hope.

The Bible in one year:

• Song of Solomon 6-8

• Galatians 4