Matthew 5.11-12
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Personal Reflections By using the word “when” rather than “if”, Matthew seems to indicate here that one is to expect persecution if one is a believer. One needs to remember that the persecutions in view here are not due to negligence or wrongdoings of the believer, in which case punishment is reasonably to be expected.
Yet when we encounter unjustified persecutions, the posture that is encouraged is one of joy and gladness. Many will say this is “easier said than done”. Yet this kingdom of heaven is not ushered in by man’s effort or word, but by the outworking of God’s sovereign will and purpose. Perhaps then, we should take comfort that as we trust in the Lord, He will enable and embolden us for that day of persecution.
Thank God that Christ has already set an example for us when He was persecuted. Pray for strength and fortitude when we encounter similar trials and persecutions.
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