Destination
A Devotion
The Goodsoil Discipleship Ministry
By Bro. Andy Madonio
January 4, 2000
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them . . . These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Hebrews 11:13-16, 39-40
The "Heroes of Faith" of this portion of scripture all possessed one great quality that allowed their faith to flourish. This quality was the catalyst, the rich, humus spiritual soil that hungrily accepted their small, insignificant mustard seed of faith and caused it to grow. In time, their faith became the "largest of garden plants." This "heroic" faith became so grand that it served as a beacon to attract those, not merely miles away, but millennia of time distant. Truly, those nesting in the branches of their faith have come from a different time and place. 'What is this quality' you say? It was simply a clear vision of what God had planned as their destination.
It requires a strong, clear vision to cut thru the great hazy distances of time that these faith heroes saw thru. And yet, they perceived so clearly God's true purposes for them (and us!), that they welcomed what they saw! Did they notice that they "did not receive" what they perceived? Of course not! The vision was all the sustenance they required; nothing more was needed.
If I look thru the lens of a powerful telescope and can see where my path is leading, I am glad for that. I know I will reach my destination. How do I know? Because I saw it clearly, and I saw that the end is lovely and wonderful and that I will certainly get there. How will I get there? When will I arrive? Once I have seen the beauty of my destination and I know for certain I will arrive, the 'how's' and 'when's' are moot. The end result is plain enough; I have seen it! Take me along any route, and I will be patient because I know it is worth it. 'Why, you must travel the path of death.' No matter; I have seen my destination, and it is worth it.
