This morning we consider a great application from all the greatness of what Christ has done for us in Hebrews 10. The Law couldn’t save anyone, and this is seen in that worshipers weren’t fully cleansed because they had to continually offer sacrifices (vv. 1-3). Yet we see that we have been sanctified (made holy) by Christ’s sacrifice once for all (v. 10). This gives us many blessings. We are told to draw near with a true heart of full assurance (v. 22), hold fast our confession of hope without wavering (v. 23), consider how to stir one another to love and good works (v. 24). But we are also called to see their example. Yes, they became believers, and they suffered for it. The gospel of Christ allows us to suffer today because we have something far better tomorrow. Here he said they were “sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated” (v. 33). He goes to the extreme that they had their property plundered and yet they accepted this “joyfully” since they knew that they "had a better possession and an abiding one” (v 34). To see the gospel so clearly and to live it out that even our earthly possessions don’t matter truly is a beautiful thing. As Luther says in his hymn, "A Mighty Fortress is Our God," “let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also. The body they may kill. God’s truth abideth still. His kingdom is forever.” Christian, today do we revel in the gospel to the extent that it frees us; that even if our “stuff” is taken, we can be joyful, for nothing can take away Christ? And if we have Christ, we have everything!
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