New Testament Lesson

Heb. 11:13-22 (NRSV)

13All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw
and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, 14for
people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15If they had
been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to
return. 16But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not
ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them. 17By faith Abraham,
when put to the test, offered up Isaac. He who had received the promises was ready to offer
up his only son, 18of whom he had been told, 'It is through Isaac that descendants shall be
named for you.' 19He considered the fact that God is able even to raise someone from the
dead-and figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. 20By faith Isaac invoked blessings
for the future on Jacob and Esau. 21By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of
Joseph, 'bowing in worship over the top of his staff.' 22By faith Joseph, at the end of his life,
made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his burial.

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.