Better Possessions

We take very much for granted living in the USA. Even in many developed European countries, you do not see the freedom of speech we have here. In fact one of the reasons why people migrated to the United States is because in their own countries, they were not allowed to think and believe freely. The state church was what everyone living in that country was to subscribe to.

This means if you read the Bible and came to a different opinion as to its interpretation than the church of the realm's doctrine, you were not only labeled a heretic but a traitor to the king! You were not allowed to be governed by your own conscience but what the authorities said you must believe. To this day in countries like China, the only legal Christians are those who subscribe to one of the three Self Churches which are operated by the atheist Chinese government! Many people have seen through this also and meet in secret using homes, fields and barns to avoid being detected. This is just what the former members of the Church of England under King James did. While death was seldom meted out, confiscation of goods and imprisonment were common. The Apostle Paul likewise saw this during his own time when the newly formed Church was being persecuted:

"For you both had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an enduring one in the heavens." Hebrews 10:34

Sometimes, that's the way things will turn out. Our God is not a puppeteer controlling every move of our adversaries. Oftentimes for the sake of righteousness, when we speak out, we will suffer similar loses and mistreatment. What if Paul and the first members of the Body of Christ had kept silent? Notice however that such people have a better possession and an enduring one in the heavens. This means treasure that will not rust, fade or perish in fire. Yah sees and remembers those who love Him and stand up for His word which was given through His Son, Yeshua. Jesus is Yah's Salvation! That is what Yeshua or Joshua means. Everlasting life in God's Kingdom which will be established right here on earth is certainly a better possession than anything this passing world can offer.

PRAYER: Merciful Heavenly Father, let me be ready to give an answer for the hope that is in my heart both in season and out of season. Help me to stand up for Your truth regardless of what governments, peoples or religious groups may say. In Yeshua's faith, Amen.