A Better and Lasting Possession - life was hard for these believers. They were facing some level of persecution because of their faith. They had not only accepted the loss of their possessions they had done so with joy. They knew their physical possessions were temporary at best - they would not last beyond the grave. And something much better awaited them that would not be subject to degradation or loss. Because of that certainty, they realized that what seemed on the surface to be a loss was nothing more than a temporary inconvenience

"For in fact you shared the sufferings of those in prison, and you accepted the confiscation of your belongings with joy, because you knew that you certainly had a better and lasting possession." -Hebrews 10:34 NET

It is apparent from the context of this passage that the believers this letter was addressed to were facing some level of persecution because of their faith (Hebrews 10:32-39). 

Many of them had been 

- exposed to a harsh conflict of suffering (Hebrews 10:32),

- publicly exposed to abuse and afflictions (Hebrews 10:33), 

- thrown into prison and

- suffered the loss of possessions. 

Life was hard for these believers.

How had they responded to their suffering? 

While the greater context indicates that some were at least considering turning back, those addressed here had responded in a quite unexpected way. 

They had not only accepted the loss of their possessions they had done so with joy.

What would possess these believers to respond to loss with joy? 

It was not because they had a warped sense of value.

Quite the opposite.

They knew their physical possessions were temporary at best — they would not last beyond the grave. 

And something much better awaited them.

They knew that what awaited them would not be subject to degradation or loss (Matthew 6:19-21). 

And because of that certainty, they realized that what seemed on the surface to be a loss was nothing more than a temporary inconvenience.

How tightly do we hold to our physical possessions?

Would their loss cause us great distress? 

Or do we hold loosely to them, knowing they are only temporary at best and much better awaits us?

This passage speaks specifically to those suffering involuntary loss of possessions. 

But it is just as applicable to voluntary loss — generously sharing what we have with others in need.

Be willing to give generously to others, being confident that you have better and lasting possessions awaiting you. 

That, in giving now, you “accumulate for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 5:20).

Ed Jarrett

Ed Jarrett is a long-time follower of Jesus and a member of Sylvan Way Baptist Church. He has been a Bible teacher for over 40 years and regularly blogs at A Clay Jar. You can also follow him on Twitter or Facebook. Ed is married, the father of two, and grandfather of three. He is retired and currently enjoys his gardens and backpacking.

aclayjar.net

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