Matthew 5:10-12
Matthew 5:10-12, Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
This last beatitude is the most difficult to understand, because how can persecution be blessed? It is contrary to the world’s thinking, but as believers, we know that being persecuted for righteousness’ sake can be a blessed thing because Jesus said so.
When the believer lives his life according to the first seven beatitudes, he will experience some form of persecution. The reason is because righteousness is confrontational; when he preaches righteousness or lives a life of righteousness, his message and life will confront and provoke those who are living in sin. Persecution is sure to come, in fact, the more faithful the believer; the more he will be persecuted.
How will the believer be persecuted?
It can be verbal insults — Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you. The Greek word for revile means to insult or abuse with words. Our Lord Jesus was insulted, spat at and taunted by the Jews who took Him to Pontius Pilate (Matthew 26:67-68).
It can be physical — As the word revile is a reference to verbal insults; most likely, the word persecution is a reference to physical attack.
It can be false accusations — Blessed are ye, when men… shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Dear children, it is important to take note of the phrases, for righteousness’ sake or for my sake, which means it is not because of our sins, foolishness or ignorance, but it is because of Christ’s sake, or righteousness’ sake. Perhaps, when you try to share the gospel with your unbelieving classmates, or you refuse to participate in their ungodly conversations and activities, they may become jealous of you, and spread all kinds of rumours about you. Do you think God does not know? He knows! Jesus said, Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you (v.12). It is a blessing because it not only confirms your salvation but that you are a faithful child of God.
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