When God Is Not Ashamed

Hebrews 11:13–16

We love hearing, “I’m proud of you.” But Hebrews 11 speaks of something far greater—God Himself is not ashamed to be called their God. What kind of people receive such a commendation?

The passage points us to Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob, showing three key truths.

1. Culmination of Their Life

“These all died in faith, not having received the things promised…” (v.13)

They died without seeing God’s promises fulfilled—land, descendants, blessing to the nations. Yet they died in faith. Even at the end, they held on, embracing the promises “from afar.”

Lesson: We too will not see every promise fulfilled in this life. But like them, we are called to face death in faith, not in despair.

2. Conduct of Their Life

How did they live? The writer tells us:

• They acknowledged they were strangers and exiles.

• They were seeking a homeland.

• They were not thinking of their old land.

• They desired a better, heavenly country.

Their faith wasn’t passive—it was confessed, visible, and focused on eternity. They were not longing for their past; their hearts were stretching toward God’s future city.

Lesson: True faith changes our perspective. We live as sojourners here, not as permanent residents.

3. Commendation from God for Their Life

“Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared for them a city.” (v.16)

What an honor! God identifies Himself with those who seek Him above all else. This commendation is not earned by perfect performance—it flows from God’s grace, for He has already prepared the city.

Christ, Our Sojourner

These verses ultimately point to Jesus. The Son of God left His Father’s home, lived as a stranger with no place to lay His head, and suffered “outside the city gate” so that we could enter the eternal city He has prepared.

Application

So what does this mean for us today?

1. Hold on in faith until the end. Even if you don’t see every prayer answered, cling to the promises of God.

2. Live as pilgrims, not settlers. This world is temporary; don’t let its possessions or pleasures define you.

3. Set your heart on heaven. Let your choices, priorities, and conversations reflect that your true home is with Christ.

4. Find courage in God’s commendation. Our goal is not human applause but to live in such a way that God Himself delights to be called our God.

Our Hope

Dear friends, our homeland is not Delhi, Kerala, or Haryana. In Christ, our true address is already updated to heaven. One day, in that better country, there will be no pain, no tears, no death—only the joy of being with God forever.

So let us live now as people who seek and desire Him above all else—so that on that day, He will gladly say:“Well done, good and faithful servant.”