TO BE BLESSED (VIII)
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10 NIV
It has been over 2,000 years since the Son of God became flesh and dwelt among men, yet His influence remains unmatched.
Christianity is reported to be the most severely persecuted religion in the world—and as real as this is, the Lord declares, “You are blessed to be persecuted for My name.” God does not require man to suffer in order to prove His sovereignty, but man may choose to suffer on account of the faith he carries. Abraham was counted righteous not merely because he left his homeland for an unknown land, or because he was willing to sacrifice his son, or waited into old age to conceive—but because he believed. This likely cost him his reputation, perhaps strained family ties, and surely made him appear foolish to others—for social status and honor were everything to them. Yet he persevered, and by God’s grace, he became the father of many nations.
Child of God, never hold back when it comes to giving your best to God. He owns all and reigns over all. And as the wise man once said, “Better is the end of a thing than its beginning.” Your circumstances are temporary, but your God is eternal. Selah!
Prayer: My Father, I thank You for this wisdom and for the privilege of following and submitting to You. Strengthen me to endure for the sake of righteousness, and remind me that no sacrifice is ever wasted when it is made for Your name. May I walk in boldness, with unwavering faith, knowing that the reward of Your kingdom far outweighs the suffering of this present time. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
CI.
RELATED RESOURCES
• Ecclesiastes 7:8
• 2 Corinthians 4:17
• Genesis 15:6
