Click here to open the Video Devotional
Hebrews 10:32-34
After speaking of those who sin willfully and their punishment to come (Hebrews 10:26-31), the author of Hebrews instructs the hearers to recall the time when they first came to the realization/ “were illuminated” (Hebrews 10:32) of the saving power and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. These people “endured,” as NKJV text states, trials, struggles, sufferings, reproaches, and tribulations (Hebrews 10:32-33) as they came together in support of one another in Christ. These people cared for those who were thrown into prison for believing and following the Way/becoming a Christian. And they “joyfully” accepted the “plundering” of their earthly things as they knew their heavenly possession to come in Christ would be far greater and eternal (Hebrews 10:34).
This is an example of suffering for Christ.
This is a promise that our earthly sufferings for Christ are small compared to the gift of eternal life in His glory.
This example of suffering for Christ is not much different than that of which we experience today: being ridiculed and made fun of for being a Christian. The trials and tribulations in which we experience are times in which we should cling to our Savior to help us through. During these times when our faith in Jesus is tested, our relationship with Him grows as we learn to call on Him in times of need. Jesus died to save us from the sinful ways of this world, and He has promised to help us through the tough times if we will call on His name, the name of Jesus.
Dear LORD,
In John 15:18-25 Jesus teaches us that because He was persecuted, so too will His followers be persecuted. But please help us to see that this world is sinful, and You have called us out of this sinful world to be representatives of Christ Jesus to all those around us and throughout the world. Please help us to see that the trials and tribulations in which we face are times when we can draw closer to You by calling on the name of Jesus to come to our aid through Your Holy Spirit and see us through this sinful world to an eternal possession in heaven that surpasses anything on this earth. In Jesus name I pray, amen.