Hebrews 11:13, 14

"These all died in trust, not having received the promises, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having out-like-said that they were strangers and pilgrims on the land. For those who say such things make it manifest that they are seeking after an abba-place of their own."

The thirteenth verse touches on the essence of faith ("trust").  Contrary to some versions of pop-theology, the person of deep trust may not actually receive the promise. But, as the Etymological New Testament has it, they did see them "and greeted them from afar."  A New Testament faith is not a guarantee of safety or riches.  Instead, this kind of trust is one that sees and greets the new heaven and new earth.  We may sometimes feel like pilgrims, even strangers, but we know and feel the promises of a better, more just world.  And we are, indeed, seeking such a homeland now.  Or, as the ENT has it, an "abba-place."  The Greek word is derived, not from the word for "home," but from the word PATER.  It is a place of family, a place of divine intimacy, that we seek.