“PERSECUTED FOR CHRIST”

Matthew 5:10-12

Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

In Matthew 5, Jesus tells His disciples they are blessed when they are persecuted for His sake. We can be bad mouthed because of our own stupidity. This we may deserve but when we take insults because of Christ, these the Lord honors.

How do we know if we are persecuted for His sake? Do we speak up for Him? The name of Jesus is not popular in the pagan crowd. They do not praise Him - nor honor Him. They use His name loosely. They walk in disobedience to His Word.

The only ones who can use Jesus’ name in an honorable way are His children. When we do this we are catapulted into the arena of conflict. But is it worth it to have His smile, His “well done, good and faithful servant?” This, beloved, is taking up your cross and following Him.

This may not appeal to us - but should that concern us? We should be concerned if we’re not taking some flak for our Redeemer. He didn’t say happy are you, but blessed are you. Although our natural self is not happy, we are blessed in our inner man.

In John 15:18-21 Jesus warns His disciples of this very thing. A little further in the passage we read these comforting words:

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

God hath not promised skies always blue,

flower strewn pathways, all our lives through,

God hath not promised sun without rain,

joy without sorrow, peace without pain,

But God hath promised strength for the day,

rest for the labor, light for his way,

Grace for the trials, help from above,

unfailing sympathy, undying love. Annie Johnson Flint

So beloved, let us live for Him who lived and died for us. God bless!

Love to you all.