Scripture for Today: Hebrews 11:10 “For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”

How odd to see this orderly organized group of dogs on a local trail! It is as if they were posing for a picture, which is exactly what they were doing! Their photographer was ready at her camera to take the shot. The lighting was perfect, the dogs arranged just so and no one was around….until my son came around the corner. As you can see, the dogs all turned as one to face him, ruining the carefully crafted moment. But my son was delighted with a photo of his own, all because the dogs were looking in the wrong direction!

Today’s verse describes where Abraham was looking. He was looking forward to a city not made with human hands. This permanent and eternal city is the heavenly Jerusalem to come (Heb. 12:22) and is described in Revelation 21. Abraham’s incredible faith was strengthened by where he was looking. Abraham and all the others honored for their faith in Hebrews 11 were looking for a country of their own, considering themselves as aliens and strangers on this earth (vs. 13-14). He was looking toward the future of a promise fulfilled, seeing it from a distance with eyes of faith.

Just like those distracted dogs, I am often looking in the wrong direction. My eyes need to be fixed on Jesus and the coming fulfillment of all He has promised. The evil one distracts me with empty promises of contentment here on earth. But I need to fix my eyes on what is unseen and eternal (II Cor. 4:18). And the more I can look in the right direction, the more my faith will strengthen and grow.

Lord, help me to keep my eyes fixed on You and all that awaits!