Week 17/2024
A word fitly spoken is like APPLES OF GOLD in a setting of silver [Proverbs 25v11]
Today we come to number 8 of the Beatitudes as found in Matthew chapter 5v10: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”. Some fanatics seek persecution, others are persecuted because they are objectional and others because they are plain stupid, as Peter in his epistle chapter 4v15 explains. He recognized that suffering might come to some Christians for reasons other than their faithfulness to Jesus: “ If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler”. Jesus makes it clear that these blessed ones are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Why are they blessed? Because Jesus promised an eternity in heaven – see John 14v2: “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am”.
It’s worth being persecuted for righteousness’ sake to hear the Lord say “Well done good and faithful servant”. Paul was also convinced as he says in Romans 8v18: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us”. Are you?
Amen
Graeme Greenwood