Be-Happy-Tudes #8 - Persecuted for Right-Standing With God

Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous (in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven! Blessed (happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous—with life-joy and satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of your outward conditions) are you when people revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely on My account. Be glad and supremely joyful, for your reward in heaven is great (strong and intense), for in this same way people persecuted the prophets who were before you. ~Matthew 5:10-12 (AMP)



Interestingly enough, Jesus seems to take off on a tangent here. I can't help but wonder if He understood what tough times awaited those who chose to follow Him. I hear Him reiterating His blessing in this passage, don't you?



In America, Christians are just now beginning to understand the tiniest fringes of persecution. Our society has quickly morphed into a "tolerance-for-everything-and-everybody-except-Christians" situation. And I believe it's only going to get worse.



But that's okay. Really it is. Because a persecuted church is made up of people who staunchly believe in the tenets of their faith regardless of opposition. The church at the moment is lazy, asleep, apathetic, and satisfied. Persecution will shake us from those death clutches!



They took his (Gamaliel's) advice; and after calling the apostles in, they flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name. And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. ~Acts 5:40-42 



Though we don't fully understand it, it is a high honor and privilege to suffer for the name of Christ. The kingdom of Heaven and a great reward exists for those who experience persecution for their relationship with God's Son.



Lord God, we confess that we've only experienced the tip of the iceberg when it comes to persecution, especially compared to so many countries where execution and imprisonment awaits those who claim Your name. Forgive us, Lord, for sometimes cratering to the crowd rather than taking a stand for our convictions. Make us bold witnesses for you! May we gladly endure persecution for Your name's sake, fully aware of all You did for us to redeem us back from sin and death. May we make You proud. In Jesus' Name, Amen.