354. A Better Country
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.
God is moving us to a better country. God has prepared for us a city. The better country is the Kingdom of God. It is eternal and full of life forever. In this country the Lord God Almighty rules absolutely and sovereignly for the positive benefit of the citizens of it. This country must contend with enemies from without and rebellion from within. The war goes on while victory has been secured by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The war is won, but it is not over; however, we are more than assured that it will be over. Then the “better country” that we desire will be established securely in eternity. For this better country God prepared a city in which the inhabitants may live.
The country is better than the country in which we presently reside in every way: physically, environmentally, emotionally, socially, serenely, abundantly, intellectually, and spiritually. This country is better also because everything negative and hostile is completely eliminated. Nothing is present to oppose harmony and bliss and the constant access to God’s Love. The King of this country is always good, kind, gracious, and beneficent.
When Jesus appeared as a man on the earth He proclaimed, “The Kingdom of God is at hand.” “The country you desire has come.” That country and its King is Jesus Christ. The country is ruled by the very person who gave Himself up for us in unlimited love. No wonder we desire it! It is also good news for the citizens that the Sovereign Ruler is delighted to by called their God. God loves to be God when He can share His life and His love with His creatures. God is pleased with His Son and He is pleased with all people who believe in Him. He promises: “I will be their God.”
For this better country God prepared a city: it is the New Jerusalem come down out of heaven from God. The city is beautifully pictured at the end of the Book. The Lord shows us what is waiting for us; therefore, we desire and long for such a place and such a heavenly existence. We live by faith in this new country, the kingdom of God, during this earthly life in a strange and alien country. While we are tormented by the “prince of the power of the air” we may at any time turn to the King of kings and enter into the heavenly country and find peace and justice.