Hebrews 11:14-16, "For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country, And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 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."

This morning, there is much heartache and pain in the world. There is nothing short of misery in nature, for all of it is fading, decaying, and passing away. From the time that man brought sin into the world, both plants, animals, and men began to die naturally. Therefore, if this is all that we have, we are truly of all men most miserable. When one considers the perspective from this temporal plane (under the sun), there is only one conclusion that can be reached. Vanity of vanities, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

However, we are told not to consider that which is under the sun. We are told to walk by faith and not by sight. This whole chapter is devoted to talking about faith, and those patriarchs who walked therein.  Now, they are witnesses of faith (not heroes or in the Hall of Fame as some might say...for that gives too much praise to man).  Hopefully, it can be said of us after that we have passed that we were witnesses of faith as well. What are some of the characteristics of a witness of faith? What mannerisms do they possess? One of the mannerisms that they possess is that they do not get too wrapped up in this low ground of sin and sorrow. They are concerned for the natural well-being of their families and friends to be sure, but they declare plainly that they seek a different country.