"For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise." (Hebrews 10:36)

As Christians, we have certain heavenly possessions, and this knowledge helps us put our earthly possessions and welfare in proper perspective. Evidently, some to whom this was written had been imprisoned, and others impoverished for their faith. "For ye . . . took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance" (v. 34). Peter called it "an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you" (1 Peter 1:4).

These possessions are attainable; they are not in question; they are ours, given to us by the One whose name is "Truth" (John 14:6), and whose Word is trustworthy. We "know" (Hebrews 10:34) this beyond all doubt.

Furthermore, these possessions are valuable. We must "cast not away therefore |our| confidence, which hath great recompense of reward" (v. 35). With this assurance, we are able to bear up under any suffering or persecution which comes our way (see also Romans 8:18).

Knowledge of these possessions is prescriptive, for it helps us cope with longstanding troubles. In our text, we "have need of patience" to get through them and do "the will of God." "Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh" (James 5:7-8).

Lastly, realization of these possessions is imminent. "For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry" (Hebrews 10:37). "He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Revelation 22:20). JDM