Devotionals by Raul Ries

FRIDAY March 20, 2026

The Faith to Wait for a City

By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Hebrews 11:9-10

As a believer in God Almighty––El Shaddai––Abraham became a sojourner dwelling in tents. He did not have a permanent home, but was always on the move. He trusted in the promises of God. He travelled by faith, not knowing where he was going. Who were heirs with him? Isaac and Jacob. Who was Isaac? The promised son of Abraham who was born to him in his old age. Jacob was his grandson.

Abraham, by faith, saw what was promised to him way in the future: ...he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. What city is this Scripture referring to? It is a heavenly city. You see, Abraham was very patient, because he knew about the heavenly city that God was building in eternity. So beautiful. He knew he would inherit something far better than any temporary dwelling place on earth.

The heavenly city is partly described in Revelation 21:18-21:

The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones ... The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

In John 14:1-2, Jesus’ Disciples were troubled. Jesus was leaving them. He told His Disciples: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”

Jesus was going to be crucified; He was going to die. But this was for their benefit, and for our benefit. He would rise again and go to heaven, and He promised to return so that they and we, too, can all go to the same place.

The fact that our heart yearns for something Earth can’t supply is proof that Heaven must be our home.
~C.S. Lewis~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!