From The Pulpit: Looking for a City

By Rev Mike Scott, Pastor Juniper Chapel Church, Vanceboro

“By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” (Hebrews 11:8–10)

The eleventh chapter of Hebrews is often called the “Hall of Faith.” Here, the writer lists Old Testament saints who remained steadfast and faithful to God. Though they lived before the coming of Christ and died without seeing the Messiah, their faith endured, for “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

Among these faithful is Abraham—a man who believed God against all odds. His father had died; he was now the head of his household and guardian to his nephew Lot. Yet when God called him to leave his homeland and journey toward an unknown destination, Abraham obeyed. He believed the promise that, though his wife was barren, he would become the father of a great nation. From Abraham’s example we see three great themes: a call, a commitment, and a city.

I. The Call of God

Abraham was “called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance” (v. 8). That call first required him to leave behind the familiar. God often calls His people to step beyond comfort and certainty. For some, it means surrendering a career to enter ministry; for others, it means crossing oceans to take the Gospel to foreign lands. Though such a call may bring fear or uncertainty, obedience always brings divine provision, peace, and power.

Secondly, Abraham was called to go without knowing where. God simply said, “Go,” without revealing the destination. This teaches us that faith often walks without sight. While obedience to God may bring trials, it also brings “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). The world lives in constant uncertainty; the believer, though walking by faith, has the assurance of God’s guiding hand.

Thirdly, Abraham’s call required him to trust God’s unchanging Word. Though he and Sarah were old and barren, God had promised a son and a nation. His promise could not fail, for “God…cannot lie” (Titus 1:2). Peter reminds us that God has given “exceeding great and precious promises” (2 Peter 1:4). Those who stand upon the Word of God will never stand upon sinking sand.

II. The Commitment of Abraham

Abraham “went out, not knowing whither he went” (v. 8). His commitment was first of all strong. He placed complete confidence in the Lord who called him. Faith that pleases God believes “that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). The arm of flesh will fail, wealth fades away, and friends may falter—but “they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles” (Isaiah 40:31).

Secondly, Abraham’s commitment was steadfast. He allowed nothing to turn him aside. The Lord has called us to walk the straight and narrow way that leads to life. Though Satan tempts, the world distracts, and critics abound, the Word exhorts us to be “steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Finally, Abraham’s commitment was secure. Because he trusted the Lord, he arrived at the place of God’s choosing. Only God knows what lies ahead, and His plan is always best. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6). Those who yield their way to the Lord discover that His purpose is perfect and His direction sure.

III. The City of God

Abraham lived as a pilgrim, “sojourning in the land of promise, as in a strange country” (v. 9). He understood that this world was not his home. Like him, believers must not grow comfortable in a sinful world, for our citizenship is in Heaven. Jesus said, “Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). The rich young ruler turned away sorrowful because he loved his wealth more than God—a tragedy still repeated by many who trade eternal treasure for temporary pleasure.

Secondly, Abraham had no permanent attachment to this earth. He dwelled in tents—temporary shelters easily taken down and moved. This symbolizes the believer’s separated life. Though we live in the world, we are not of it. We are “sanctified by the Holy Ghost” (Romans 15:16), “meet for the master’s use” (2 Timothy 2:21). Our calling is to live as salt and light, distinct yet influential, shining the truth of Christ in a darkened world.

Finally, Abraham looked for a city. The word looked means “to expect eagerly.” His hope was “both sure and steadfast” (Hebrews 6:19). He sought “a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (v. 10). Jesus assures us of this same promise: “I go to prepare a place for you… I will come again, and receive you unto myself” (John 14:2–3).

Our eyes must remain fixed on that eternal hope. Heaven is our rest, our reward, our home—a place where “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes” (Revelation 21:4). There, the cross will be exchanged for a crown, and our faith will become sight.

Conclusion

When God called Abraham to leave Ur of the Chaldees, he obeyed without hesitation. Though his feet walked the soil of Canaan, his heart was set on Heaven. He lived for that eternal city—the same one John saw “coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (Revelation 21:2).

Like Abraham, we too are called to live by faith—to trust God’s call, to walk in steadfast commitment, and to look for that city whose builder and maker is God. For “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” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Let us therefore, like Abraham, obey when called, endure when tested, and look beyond this life to the glory that is yet to come.