16. Instead, these men were longing for a better country—a heavenly country. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God. He has prepared a city for them.
17. When God tested Abraham, faith led him to offer his son Isaac. Abraham, the one who received the promises from God, was willing to offer his only son as a sacrifice.
18. God had said to him, “Through Isaac your descendants will carry on your name.”
19. Abraham believed that God could bring Isaac back from the dead. Abraham did receive Isaac back from the dead in a figurative sense.
20. Faith led Isaac to bless Jacob and Esau.
21. While Jacob was dying, faith led him to bless each of Joseph’s sons. He leaned on the top of his staff and worshiped God.
22. While Joseph was dying, faith led him to speak about the Israelites leaving Egypt and give them instructions about burying his bones.
23. Faith led Moses’ parents to hide him for three months after he was born. They did this because they saw that Moses was a beautiful baby and they were not afraid to disobey the king’s order.
24. When Moses grew up, faith led him to refuse to be known as a son of Pharaoh’s daughter.