Hebrews 10:32-34
But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.
1) These early believers remained faithful in spite of terrible suffering (vs. 32).
2) They were exposed to public ridicule (vs. 33).
3) They were persecuted (vs. 33).
4) They helped others who suffered the same way (vs. 33).
5) They showed sympathy to those thrown in jail (vs. 34).
6) They lost all that they had (vs. 34).
And here’s the kicker . . .
7) They accepted it with joy (vs. 34).
“People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one” (Heb. 11:14-16a).
Could we have faith like that in today’s world? Sure, we could.
Give it some thought.
Gary