Seeking the celestial city

Hebrews 13:13-14 So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come. With this verse, the author arrived at his final encouragements of his letter. It takes us back to the confession of the heroes of the faith he presented in chapter 11. Let’s revisit their confession. These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus, make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had the opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. We who believe in Christ confess that we are strangers, foreigners, and exiles on the earth. We are seeking a better country, a heavenly one. We know God has prepared a city for us. We also know that everything in this world doesn’t last and is unstable and shakable. Only Jesus, Himself, and His kingdom are unshakable. Our confidence is in Him. His life, His presence, His power, His love, His kingdom, and His Word. Based upon such confidence, the author concluded his argument and called his readers to leave the old covenant, the old city of Jerusalem with its varied and strange teachings. He had told them to fix their eyes on Jesus sitting at the right hand of God in the new Jerusalem, their new home city. The encouragement today is to join those who are on a journey to the heavenly city to come. Most of us aren’t being called outside the camp of Judaism, although if that has been your earthly home, consider yourself called out now. We are being called out of the camp of this world. We must turn our backs on the religions and gods of this world and never look back. An exile doesn’t seek to return to the country or city that has kicked him out. He’s looking for or seeking another country where he can rest and be at home. Notice the encouragement. We are going to Jesus! The location isn’t the primary goal. Let’s draw near to Him, experience His love, fellowship with the Father and the Son through the Holy Spirit’s ministry, and allow His love to overflow into the lives of the others who are on a journey with us to the celestial city. I invite you to become a partner in our ministry. Would you pray about becoming a regular supporter of Elijah Ministries and the Live to Love with Jesus ministry? I hope you will receive the joy and benefit of “giving it forward,” so others may receive encouragement to turn their hearts to God and to live to love with Jesus. You may give online or send a check to the address listed at www.spiritofelijah.com/donate.