¹⁶ But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.

What an amazing thing—God is not ashamed of those who follow Him, no matter what the world says of them. Believers are often denigrated, mocked and persecuted because of their faith. When you think about it, this is completely irrational. Yet it is the reality.

However, a greater reality is God’s attitude toward believers. One could say that God is proud to be called our Father. Look how He identified Himself to Moses, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob…” (Exodus 3:6). Despite Abraham’s many failings and doubts, God was not embarrassed to be associated with him.

And it was all because Abraham and the others mentioned here in Hebrews 11 were willing to turn their backs on their world, the comforts of their life, and the desires of the old life for something far better, namely life following God. They looked forward to their future in the “better country” with God, instead of all the pleasures and benefits of life in this “old” country, that is, the old life.

We are reminded of what was written earlier: “For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren …” (Heb 2:11). At times, we Christians do embarrassing things, or we are embarrassed by other Christians–we live our faith in a fallen world. Yet, God is never ashamed of us.

The only time God is ashamed of us, is when we are ashamed of Him. “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels” (Mark 8:38). What He desires and what pleases Him is our loyalty, above all else. He desires our hearts, nothing more, nothing less.

Notice the tense of the last statement: “He has prepared a city for them.” It is an already accomplished thing, God has already prepared heaven for them. So also, what Jesus promised has already come to past. “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:1–3).

Lord, I am so looking forward to my new heavenly home with You forever. Help me be strong so that I remain loyal to You until then.