We should be thankful if we are privileged to live in a free country where we aren’t subject to physical and material persecution.
The early Christian Jews weren’t blessed in that way as we read:
Hebrews 10:34 For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. (ESV)
They were placed in prison, their properties were plundered, and some were physically beaten and even slain. They excepted these things without losing their joy because they had “a better possession” waiting.
Here are some thoughts about “a better possession”:
Truly knowing what is laid up for us in the future changes how we deal with present situations.
The persecuted Christian Jews knew what their future held, hence they could joyfully accept losing their temporal earthly possessions.
It’s a big deal to be joyful while someone is plundering your property.
A spot-on knowledge of heaven and eternity causes us to go through life with a different outlook.
1 Peter 1:4 …to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you (ESV)
We’re on the earth for a brief time, so let’s joyfully serve while we’re here, knowing we have “a better possession” waiting in heaven for us!
Every blessing to each of you,
Tony