I got a smart phone a while back... 16 months ago or so. I loved it and now it is slow and takes forever to do what I "need" it to do. I want something better.
I had a great vehicle - it was totaled in an accident and so I had to go looking for a different vehicle and knew that I could not do a "new" car so I looked for something comparable. Instead, I spent more than I had to get something that I convinced myself was better and needed. It was better than what I had. Truly, I like it and it really is better but I question how necessary it was.
I had a Starbucks gift card that I found out I could register and then track the drinks I bought and eventually get something better with which to purchase my Starbucks - a GOLD CARD. What is better? I can get a free drink every 15 drinks I buy. I get all kinds of little perks that make my Starbucks status better than other average non-Gold Card holders. (problem: I have to keep it loaded with money - it does not load itself!)We always want something better. So, I was reading Hebrews yesterday (yes, I read the whole book at one sitting - I like to do that sometimes because it helps me see the broader perspective of the writer) and I began to notice the word "better" time and time again. (this is in the NIV 1984 version)
The writer is challenging the readers (the Hebrews) to avoid "settling" for what they had, what they used to treasure, what they used to measure themselves by, and how they lived. He continually compares what was to what will be and notes that what will be is always better!
All of these comparisons to what we value here on earth to what we receive as the hope of heaven really do not compare. The troubles of this life are all worth it when compared to the glory of heaven and living in the presence of our Savior. It brings home these words of Jesus in the book of Matthew.
- Better things - fruit of our salvation (Heb. 6:9)
- Better hope than the hope that was in the works of the law (Heb. 7:19)
- Better covenant - the covenant of grace through Christ's work (Heb. 7:22 )
- Better promises - resulting from the ministry of Jesus (Heb. 8:6)
- Better sacrifices - to accomplish the purification of the heavenly elements of the temple (Heb. 9:23)
- Better possessions - the treasures in heaven awaiting you compared to what you have lost or have given up on earth (Heb. 10:34)
- Better sacrifice - Abel's sacrifice was better than Cain's - due to faith and heart condition (Heb. 11:4)
- Better country - the "promised land" of Israel vs. the "promised land" of the presence of God (Heb. 11:16)
- Better resurrection - result of torture and suffering on behalf of their faith (Heb. 11:35)
- Something better - as a part of the reward which is a part of God's plan for a faithful life (Heb. 11:40)
- Better word - The truth of the value of Christ's blood over the blood of Abel (Heb. 12:24)
Matthew 6:19-21 - Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 13:44 - "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
Matthew 19:21 - Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
Never settle for what is here... the earthly "better" things. Never let your heart get attached to them. Guard your heart because it is the spring of life! Only settle for the "better" life of eternity!
