"BY FAITH ABRAHAM, WHEN HE WAS CALLED ... OBEYED." By faith he saw afar off the city of God which had foundations. This was the experience of the patriarchs; the apostles felt the same: so have all true Christians. Do we desire a better country? Do we desire a heavenly country? There is a better: it is set before us in the gospel, promised to all who believe in Jesus and continue faithful unto death. Heaven is that country where all enjoy unending rest; there is no pain, no vexation, no toil, no sadness there. All are lively, yet all enjoy perfect repose. Heaven is the home of love; there are no foes, no envious or jealous people. All is love: pure, perfect, perpetual love. All love God, and God loves all. Each loves his fellow, and loves his fellow as he loves himself. It is the community of holiness. There are no sinners, for all are righteous; there is no sin, for nothing sinful can ever enter. Holiness is the element, the joy, the glory of the place. It is the abode of perfection, of lasting satisfaction, of unbroken joy and undisturbed tranquility. There we see our Lord face to face. There God unfolds His glories, every holy desire is gratified, every heart is fully blest, every countenance shines with benevolence and joy - because it is the better country. Are you looking forward to that country?

For Meditation:
Then let the hope of joys to come
Dispel our cares, disperse our fears;
Eyes fixed above, we're nearing home,
Though passing through a vale of tears.