QT 7/20/2026 Heb 10:32–34, A better retirement home

Hebrews 10:32–34 (ESV) —

32 But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, 33 sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. 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.

 

NOTE: I wonder if this applied to all or only to some, that is, the author is bringing back to their memory the Jews reaction to those who started following Jesus. It wasn't always harsh. In the early church, the people held "the way" in great esteem, which restricted the hands of the early Sanhedrin. By the time Paul was delivering his gift to the poor in Jerusalem, it is evident that the crowd had a totally different opinion of "the way." In thirty years, they had shifted from great esteem to pure hatred. Many of these recipients had seen that change and what had happened to those who identified with Christ. Some had experienced the persecution. And now, another 10-20 years later, they were drawing back, forgetting the joy of knowing Christ or in believing their better reward.

 

Culture changes quickly. Values, behaviors, and mores change. In my lifetime, I've seen rapid changes. Things I would have never thought possible are now acceptable. The enemy has used media to accelerate the change. The enemy has encouraged greed and given wealth to the ungodly to foster lies. In some ways, I share a guilt that my life has been easier than most. I have experienced suffering, but not persecution (well, at least not overt).

 

The key is to remember the ending. We have a better possession and an abiding one (10:34). In a couple of chapters, he will finish this argument with the following verses:

 

Hebrews 12:22–24 (ESV) — 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, 23 and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.

 

We can take joy because whatever happens now, nothing can replace our glorious future, which is promised by God himself.

 

PONDER:

1. One of the signs that are focus is off is when we talk about earthly retirement homes and lifestyles. Our reward is not here on earth, but in heaven. Do we have a spiritual perspective on life and eternity?

 

PRAYER: Father, it is easy to fall into the trap of comfort. In one sense, it provides peace and rest. But God promises the same to those who will trust him and continue in faith. We need to grow in the word of truth and listen as God speaks to our hearts.