“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you
and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven,
for in the same way they persecuted the prophets
who were before you.”
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you
and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven,
for in the same way they persecuted the prophets
who were before you.”
Matthew 5:10-12
Believers are called to a life which distinguishes them from the rest of the world – a life of genuine righteousness and persecution for it. Everyone who lives a godly life will be persecuted even though it might not look like what we might expect. It may not be physical but take the form of a verbal mocking, being outcast from a social group or even losing a job, but there is the same hostile intent behind the actions because of our faith. It may also feel like we are constantly being chased by the enemy who wants us to fall especially when we stand up for what is right. It is the cost of being in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It is our privilege to endure.
The result is more than compensation for all the earthly opposition, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. An inheritance in complete contrast to any present humiliation, Jesus offers a share in the Messianic kingdom, now and later.
Joyce
No comments:
Post a Comment