14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland.
14 For [explanation]
The word “for” gives the evidence that faith is their operating principle.
those who say such things
Those who admit that this world is a temporary home and that they are but strangers and pilgrims on earth make a declaration about their ultimate values.
declare plainly that they seek a homeland.
Believers in this chapter made it plainly evident that they claimed God’s promises by faith. They sought a “homeland” not on earth; they looked for no permanent place on earth. No place will satisfy believers until they reach their eternal home.
PRINCIPLE:
Our life in this world is temporary and transitory.
APPLICATION:
Christians have a heavenly home awaiting them. We are in the world but not of the world (Jn 17:14). We now live in God’s workshop, where He prepares us for eternity. In the meantime we look for our new home (2 Pe 3:13).
The believer’s primary desire is to fellowship with God and view himself as just passing through life on earth (1 Pe 2:11). This world is not our home; we are just passing through. Our true home is heaven itself. That is why what we possess is not that important. The reason believers build no permanent home here on earth is that our eternal home is yet ahead.
Those whose complete orientation is to prosperity on this planet need a lesson from those who walked by faith in Hebrews 11.