Devotionals by Raul Ries

MONDAY March 23, 2026

The Faith of Pilgrims

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
Hebrews 11:13

In Hebrews 11, the Old Testament people listed, believed in the promises of God, even though most never saw the Lord. In the Old Testament, Christ appeared as a theophany––an encounter with Jesus Christ in a tangible form––such as the Angel of the Lord or, some may agree, as Melchizedek, who had no record of birth or death (Hebrews 7:3).

What was the end result of all the people who died in the faith? Their faith caused them to be declared righteous––God saved them. The Apostle Paul conveyed to us how Abraham was declared righteous:

He [Abraham] did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness” (Romans 4:20-22).

The saints of old continued to walk with God, by faith, believing in His future promises, even though they were unseen. The description of their genuine faith is beautiful: ...but having seen them afar off, were assured of them, embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. I love that! These all died in faith, not having received the promises, and were taken to heaven.

What did the Apostle Peter confirm, and what did he exhort us to do?  Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul... (1 Peter 2:11). We are sojourners and pilgrims. This world is not our home, and we are only passing through. Heaven is our home. Our lives only last 70, 80, 90 or even 100 years, and then death will come. Hold on to the promises of God; Heaven is near.

He knows he at the end shall life inherit. Then fancies fly away, he’ll fear not what men say; he’ll labour night and day to be a pilgrim.
~John Bunyan~

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