“…knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven” (Hebrews 10:34).
“Better” is a supremely significant word in the book of Hebrews. It is the seminal argument of this word of exhortation. Jesus’ name is better than angels (Hebrews 1:4). The new covenant offers a better hope (Hebrews 7:19). It is a better covenant (Hebrews 7:22), based upon better sacrifices (Hebrews 9:23), and has a better homeland for God’s people (Hebrews 11:16).
Though Palestine—the promised homeland of fleshly Israel—flowed with milk and honey and was a wonderful gift from God, it pales in comparison to the eternal homeland of spiritual Israel. Its inferiority is manifest, it—as well as the rest of the physical creation—will be melted and disintegrated by fire someday (2 Peter 3:10). It will be replaced with an indissoluble and permanent new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1) which can never be destroyed or replaced.
The transient treasures and possessions of this life are vastly inferior to the better and enduring treasures in heaven. Therefore, “do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19-20).
