Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hebrews 11:16 together. It's a really beautiful and hopeful passage about the future of humanity. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that we – meaning believers in Jesus Christ – are looking forward to a time when God will actually establish a perfect, heavenly city for us. It's not just a dream; it’s a real, tangible place where God lives and reigns. Let’s unpack the parts: "But now they desire a better [country]..." : This is a bit tricky. "Country" in this context isn’t meant to mean a physical country like France or America. It refers to something spiritual . It means a place of God's presence and purpose, a place where He lives and reigns. "...that is, an heavenly:" : This is the key part! "Heavenly" means spiritual – it’s about being in God’s presence, experiencing His love and goodness, and living in accordance with His will. It's not about a place on Earth; it's about being in God. "...wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God:" : This is a big statement! God is ashamed? That’s surprising! We often think of God as powerful and majestic, but this verse says He’s ashamed – that's a humbling and loving statement. It means God feels a deep sense of responsibility and concern for His people. "...for he hath prepared for them a city." : This is the promise! God has been working in the past to prepare a "city" – a place where He will dwell with His people, offering them comfort, safety, and eternal life. This “city” isn’t just a physical building; it's a spiritual one representing God’s ultimate purpose for humanity. In essence, the verse is saying: God has been working for a long time to prepare a place where He will live with His people, and now, He’s finally ready to establish that place – a heavenly city – for us! What does this mean for us ? It's a message of hope and anticipation. It encourages believers to trust in God’s plan and to look forward to a future where we can experience the full reality of God’s presence with Him. It’s about believing that God is working towards a glorious future for us. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of what “a city” might symbolize? Talk about how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible (like the New Creation)?