The Hebrew Christians were standing between two ages. Like the transition from Moses to Joshua marked a new pattern, so the transition from the old covenant worlds of types and shadows marks a new pattern of fulfillment and advance. Types move to antitypes. Promise moves to substance. Wilderness wandering leads to conquest. These transitions frequently involve shaking, suffering, and persecution. This is how the gospel goes out; it is frequently through suffering and difficulty that the Great Commission advances. We likewise live in a rapidly changing age. It may be tempting for us to want to go back, to retreat to the familiar, but Hebrews reminds us that what's ahead is better. It is worth the difficulty and the suffering. The Greater Joshua has ensured the victory, so there is no safer place to be than in His service.
