“For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Hebrews 11:10
Dear Ones:
There is a remarkable testament to God, and His quiet and profound work in the heart and mind of an individual, when we study the life of Abraham. Where did the concept of eternity enter into his mind? Where did he come up with the idea and conviction that there was an eternal “city.” If there is one thing that we discover in an ever-increasing manner, it is that Abraham was a man of the “eternal.” He was dominated by that which had its origin and essence in God. With regard to this “city which hath foundations,” he is very much preoccupied with that which is beyond the consideration of a dwelling place. He is looking at the “builder and maker” of that city, the One who has conceived and laid the foundations of that city. We might go so far as to say that, in the matter of Abraham’s obedience to God to leave his own country, and people, and journey to the land of promise, that he was always dominated by the God who is eternal, and who only does that and says that which is eternal. Why? It was because there was an eternal promise given by this Eternal God, and it had to do specifically with Abraham, and the entirety of mankind. God had told Abraham that He would make of him a great nation, and that He would bless him, and make his name great. Then He adds: “Thou shalt be a blessing…and in thee shall ALL the families of the earth be blessed.” (Gen. 12:2,3) The promise(s) that the Lord God would give to Abraham would not only have their partial realization during his lifetime, but would stretch forth throughout history, to the birth of Jesus, His crucifixion and resurrection. They would continue by their effect through Pentecost and the history of the Church, the body of Christ, until that church be in completed and in heaven. The expanding magnification of the glory of God in and by these promises, as they touch and transform countless millions throughout history, is revealed today, and by the prophetical word of Scripture, as it concerns tomorrow and the days to come. Abraham was a man of the “eternal,” not able to comprehend all that the promises meant, just as he was not able to count all the grains of sand upon the seashore. And yet, he KNEW God was faithful, and would accomplish His will and purpose. How does this knowledge, and vision of the eternal, apply to the daily life of the disciple of Christ?
First, let’s deal with that which is incomprehensible, but also, that which is very tangible, and can be seen, and known? The Apostle Paul wrote in his first letter to the Corinthians: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” (2:9) Paul’s declaration of these realities was based on Isaiah’s same words and concepts. Hence, there is the perpetual truth of them from Isaiah’s day, unto this present day, and beyond. Isaiah, Paul, Abraham and the present day believer is called upon to believe the invisible, and that which is beyond what his senses and natural capacity can understand. He, like them, is called upon to trust in the faithfulness of God who has declared the truth, and cannot lie.
The second thing we need to deal with is that which we SEE. Again, in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he writes: “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (3:11) Here is the unveiling of the master Builder’s and Maker’s work. God the Father provided for the redemption of mankind before the foundation of the world. That reality would stretch to Abraham, beyond the cross of Christ, to this very day. The believer is called upon to grasp by faith the great foundational work of Christ today, and the truth of His indwelling by the Spirit.
Eternal Father, With feet of clay, give us grace to live for eternity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad