But Jesus saved perhaps His most challenging idea to present last. "Blessed are those who are persecuted... (Matthew 5:10).
Wait a minute! Isn't the persecution of a believer is an evil thing? Yes! But Jesus is able to shine His light into that darkness.
According to Jesus, here are 3 reasons why we can see persecution as a blessing.
1. It’s proof that I belong.
"… for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:12c).
If ever you find yourself persecuted for Christ and for righteousness’ sake, you have proof that you are one of God’s people. You are like the prophets, God’s chosen servants, who are now with God, rejoicing in His presence. You can say to those who persecute you, “Thank you. You’re giving me proof that I am a child of God – that I belong to God’s people.”
2. It gains great reward.
"…for your reward is great in heaven…" (Matthew 5:12b).
When persecution happens to you, it’s proof of your eternal destiny. The world is dramatically telling you that you do not belong here. You are set apart. You belong to another realm.
Our bodies will be changed and glorified. There will be no sickness or disease. There will be no sorrow and no sighing. All tears will be wiped away - no wars, no unhappiness even for a millisecond! We will know only joy and purity and wonder! This is what is waiting for us. We must not forget that!
This is why we can say, like Paul, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
This world is cannot the source of contentment and security for us. We can say to those who would persecute us, “You want to belittle me? You want to torture me? You want to kill me? This world is not my home. Pain and death are not the ultimate threat. I have a home in heaven and a reward waiting for me.”
Persecutors don't have the last word. can’t destroy us. God will have the last word in heaven. Stand with Jesus and stand for Jesus in this life and you will be with Him for all eternity. You’ll receive a GREAT reward. Jesus isn't messing around.
3. It shows off the worth of Christ.
"Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account" (Matthew 5:11).
When we suffer persecution “on account of Christ,” it proves that we see Jesus as Someone supremely valuable. He is so worthy – so amazing, so treasured – that we are no longer preoccupied with self, with safety, with security. We are proving that what Jesus has done for us on the cross and through His resurrection to save us from our sins, to give us a home in heaven, to show us how much He loves us is worth more to us than our personal peace, more than our comfort and affluence.
When we are willing to suffer on account of Christ, some of the people around us might take note. They will wonder, “What is so great about Jesus that causes him/her to be willing to suffer?” They will be drawn to the Savior who is so supremely valuable to us. This is why the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.
So, don't go looking for persecution. But when it comes, remember that it’s proof that we belong; it gains great reward; and it shows off the worth of Christ. No wonder Jesus said “Blessed are those who are persecuted.” It’s part of the good life. Your “best life now” – your blessed life now – includes so very many opportunities. And one of the opportunities is the pain of persecution.
No wonder we can “rejoice and be are exceedingly glad.”
But if Jesus is your example, your forgiver, your Lord, and your treasure, then you can rejoice in the face of persecution. You’ll be like Him, “Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross" (Hebrews 12:2).
Blessed are you. Great is your reward in heaven. Rejoice and be glad. Because you are sharing in the sufferings and the joys of Jesus.
1. It’s proof that I belong.
"… for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:12c).
If ever you find yourself persecuted for Christ and for righteousness’ sake, you have proof that you are one of God’s people. You are like the prophets, God’s chosen servants, who are now with God, rejoicing in His presence. You can say to those who persecute you, “Thank you. You’re giving me proof that I am a child of God – that I belong to God’s people.”
2. It gains great reward.
"…for your reward is great in heaven…" (Matthew 5:12b).
When persecution happens to you, it’s proof of your eternal destiny. The world is dramatically telling you that you do not belong here. You are set apart. You belong to another realm.
Our bodies will be changed and glorified. There will be no sickness or disease. There will be no sorrow and no sighing. All tears will be wiped away - no wars, no unhappiness even for a millisecond! We will know only joy and purity and wonder! This is what is waiting for us. We must not forget that!
This is why we can say, like Paul, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
This world is cannot the source of contentment and security for us. We can say to those who would persecute us, “You want to belittle me? You want to torture me? You want to kill me? This world is not my home. Pain and death are not the ultimate threat. I have a home in heaven and a reward waiting for me.”
Persecutors don't have the last word. can’t destroy us. God will have the last word in heaven. Stand with Jesus and stand for Jesus in this life and you will be with Him for all eternity. You’ll receive a GREAT reward. Jesus isn't messing around.
3. It shows off the worth of Christ.
"Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on My account" (Matthew 5:11).
When we suffer persecution “on account of Christ,” it proves that we see Jesus as Someone supremely valuable. He is so worthy – so amazing, so treasured – that we are no longer preoccupied with self, with safety, with security. We are proving that what Jesus has done for us on the cross and through His resurrection to save us from our sins, to give us a home in heaven, to show us how much He loves us is worth more to us than our personal peace, more than our comfort and affluence.
When we are willing to suffer on account of Christ, some of the people around us might take note. They will wonder, “What is so great about Jesus that causes him/her to be willing to suffer?” They will be drawn to the Savior who is so supremely valuable to us. This is why the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.
So, don't go looking for persecution. But when it comes, remember that it’s proof that we belong; it gains great reward; and it shows off the worth of Christ. No wonder Jesus said “Blessed are those who are persecuted.” It’s part of the good life. Your “best life now” – your blessed life now – includes so very many opportunities. And one of the opportunities is the pain of persecution.
No wonder we can “rejoice and be are exceedingly glad.”
But if Jesus is your example, your forgiver, your Lord, and your treasure, then you can rejoice in the face of persecution. You’ll be like Him, “Who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross" (Hebrews 12:2).
Blessed are you. Great is your reward in heaven. Rejoice and be glad. Because you are sharing in the sufferings and the joys of Jesus.
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