In General 14:13, Abram was referred to as a "Hebrew" by a fugitive. I looked up the meaning of the Hebrew word, "Hebrew" (Strong's 5680, עִבְרִי, `Ibriy), and it means, "one from beyond", presumably meaning a person from the other side of the Euphrates river. A few generations later, the word "Hebrew" was predominantly used by other people referring to the descendants of Israel (Jacob). This seems to me similar to the term "Christian", first used in Antioch by people referring to followers of Jesus.
I was thinking that "one from beyond" could be metaphorical for "one from Heaven". I am a son of God, a citizen of Heaven. I am a foreigner here.
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, admitting that they were foreigners 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.
Hebrews 11:13-16 NIV
Father, thank you for adopting me as your son. Jesus, I want to live like you, revealing the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth. Holy Spirit, thank you for your presence and power. I love you.
No comments:
Post a Comment