Jesus Is Our Better Reward

While writing to the first recipients of Hebrews, the author reminds them, "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." Their belief in Jesus had real costs for their lives, yet they found that Jesus was worth it because Jesus is Better. What causes people to endure such rejections and suffering with joy? The call to endurance is based on the reality that there is a prize at the end, and this prize is secure and real. So, the writer of Hebrews tells his readers to keep believing. He calls them to remember that they came to faith in the midst of persecution and suffering. Hebrews reminds those who have believed the Gospel to never give up, keep believing in Jesus, to hold on to our confession with confidence. Because faith in Jesus comes with a promise that in a little while the Coming One will come, and will not delay, and those who hold on to Jesus will gain what has been promised, a better and lasting possession.