THEY DESIRE A BETTER COUNTRY

 

EVENING DEVOTION by James Smith

MARCH 21

 

Hebrews 11:16

But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly:

wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God:

for he hath prepared for them a city. -

 
Not only a better state, or a better frame, but a better country.
 
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, it is promised to all who believe in Jesus, and continue faithful unto death. 

Heaven is a country where all enjoy rest; there is 

  no pain, 

  no vexation,

  no toil, 

   no trials, there.
 
All are active, yet all enjoy perfect repose.
 
Heaven is the home of love; there are no foes, no envious professors, no jealous brethren.
 
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 residence of Holiness.
 
There are no sinners, for all are righteous; there is no sin, for each exactly resembles Jesus. Holiness is the element, the joy, the characteristic of the place.
 
It is the abode of perfect satisfaction, unbroken joy, and undisturbed tranquillity.
 
There Jesus is seen face to face.
 
There God unfolds his glories-there every desire is gratified, every heart is full, every countenance beams with benevolent joy.
 

Then let the hope of joys to come

Dispel our cares, and chase our fears;

If God be ours we’re travelling home,

Though passing through a vale of tears.

 
James Smith