‘‘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.’’  Hebrews 11: 16   (KJV)

My first visit to Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria was quite amazing to me, considering the level of development with a good road network, street light, and a very clean environment. To me, it was just like a mini London. The trees were well arranged and it is a place where nature can nurture a fellow for the future. Cars that I have never seen before in my entire life was seen in Abuja, Nigeria. It has Gwarimpa as the largest estate in Africa and I was privileged to put up in one of the highbrow areas before moving to the slum area. The slum has its unique characteristics of crime and criminalities as well, but I was not bordered since I needed a place to start off life from. In the slum area, I witnessed violence and bomb blast and relative peace as well because God was with me. So, no matter how beautiful a city may be, it is still not free from crime. But the Heavenly city is the safest which is the divine country home of the Almighty God. This is what the scripture tells us about it in the book of Matthew 6:20 (KJV)  But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

From our reading, we who are believers in Christ are to focus our desires on how to make Heaven which is a better option compared to where we are now. It is a place of rest for all believers in Christ who endured till the very end and that is why Jesus told us that in His father’s house there are many mansions and that He has gone to prepare a place for us (John 14:2) . This is a sure promise for all believers. It is a better country and a true city of safety, peace, rest and comfort.

The greatest architect of all ages is God Almighty. He is a master planner and a builder, and our chief security officer. He wants us to have this at the back of our mind that life is short, death is certain and eternity is forever. After our sojourning here on earth, He wants us to be with Him in Heaven and to rest from all our labours. Heaven is the safest.

Do we desire this better country as well?  If our answers are yes, then we have to be born again and give our lives to Christ and believe in His name, and here are some supporting scriptures we can apply as well John 3:3 (KJV) ‘Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ John 3:36 (KJV) ‘He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.’

Dear Lord Jesus Christ, grant me the grace to live right so that I can make Heaven with my family. Amen

The safe places on earth are not always safe, only the country home of God is the safest

                                                                                                                               -The Writer-

OGBAJIBREDE Onome is an Evangelist and a Devotional Writer who inspires and encourages people to come closer to God. His Devotional has featured on Exploits Christian Magazine. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Peace Studies & Conflict Resolution and can be contacted via [email protected]