The Godly Will Be Persecuted

-February 13, 2024-

Good morning beloved, happy Tuesday,

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

(Matthew 5:10).

Today’s beatitude is a very challenging one: enduring persecution. Jesus was persecuted, the apostles were persecuted, many early Christians were persecuted, down through the church’s history many have been persecuted, and still today we are persecuted in one form or another.

The persecuted are blessed to suffer persecution for righteousness’ sake. Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 3:12, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” The word “will” means it is a sure thing.

If we are reprimanded for doing wrong, that is not persecution. We are getting what we deserve; but doing good and suffering for it is persecution for righteousness’ sake. Standing for Christ, reading and speaking from the Bible, sharing our faith, mentioning the name of Jesus or even attending church services can lead to being persecuted. In quite a few countries today, Christians are imprisoned and killed for their faith.

Jesus also said in Matthew 5:11-12, “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Peter and John were arrested and beaten by the Jews for their witness and preaching in the name of Jesus, they didn’t stop and considered it a blessing to suffer for Christ. Acts 5:41 says, “So they departed from the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” All the disciples of Jesus were martyred. Paul severely persecuted, imprisoned, and beheaded.

Polycarp, an early Christian was threatened by death by fire unless he declared “Caesar is Lord” and add a pinch of incense to his statue. He said, “How can I blaspheme my King who saved me.” He chose to die rather than deny Jesus.

For us in America, there is no physical persecution, but there is much spiritual, mental and emotional persecution. Whenever we are persecuted it means we are doing something right in God’s sight. Our Lord stands with us and for us as we stand with Him and for Him.

Have a blessed day standing for and speaking of Jesus, no matter the cost. Stay safe and healthy.

It is better to die and to deny; following Christ will never be popular, but it will always be right,

Dean