Persecuted

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”
Matthew 5:10

It’s not a blessing when bad things happen to you, is it? But persecution isn’t a good thing, yet Jesus said those who are persecuted are blessed! So, what’s going on?

Jesus isn’t saying that bad things are good things. He’s not saying that persecution is a good thing or something that He intends for us. However, Jesus knows that persecution WILL happen at times to His followers (Jn 15:20: 2 Ti 3:12). It will come to us in varying degrees and experiences when we follow Him IF we truly follow Him (2 Ti 3:12).

Notice that the blessing isn’t in just suffering. Peter says there is no glory in suffering for doing evil (1 Pe 2:20; 4:15-16). We’re not just to suffer for the sake of suffering. But, “Bless are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake” – because we are advocating for and living righteously. “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake” (Mt 5:11). What they say is false and they are doing it because of Jesus (and we are enduring it because of Jesus).

So, why is it a blessing to be persecuted for Jesus? First, “…for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Mt 5:10). Life here may not be pleasant because of persecution, but in the words of Paul: “…the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Ro 8:18). Eternity with God is worth our endurance in faith. Second, we are blessed because persecution happens “…for My sake” (Mt 5:11). Faithfulness during persecution is for Jesus – we are doing something because of Him and for Him. That in itself is a blessing. Third, “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven…” (Mt 5:12). Great joy in persecution doesn’t come from painful experience itself, it comes from hoping, trusting, and knowing we have great reward in heaven. In the words of Peter, “…now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials” (1 Pe 1:6-7) it is worth it because it produces genuine, precious faith that will keep us faithful until the Lord comes again. And fourth, “Rejoice… for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Mt 5:12). In other words, if you are persecuted, you’re in good company. Godly people have been persecuted in the past, remained faithful to God, and been rewarded by Him. They are our heroes – so be inspired by them and remain faithful!

It's hard to see blessings when bad things are happening and it is even harder to feel blessed. Persecution isn’t good, but it gives us the opportunity to show our faith. We remain faithful, not for temporary comfort now, but for eternal reward in heaven. This perspective makes enduring persecution possible and worth it.   dd