The Beatitudes
“Blesséd are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10
How would you like to be highly regarded because you are the richest person in the world, or the most powerful, or the smartest, or the most attractive? On the other hand, how would you like to be an outcast, one who is regarded as weak, unpopular, or ignorant? How would you like to be persecuted, just because you are different from most people?
Welcome to Christianity. True Christians are seen as an impediment to the world’s attempt to grab fame and fortune, power and prestige, beauty and brilliance. The humble, selfless, righteous lifestyle of Christians is a living accusation against their pride, selfishness, and unrighteousness.
Therefore, the world goes on the attack in an effort to silence us. More than that, it is an attack on “the Lord our Righteousness.” It is because we faithfully follow Christ that we are persecuted.
Before you cringe in fear, however, listen to Jesus’ final and longest beatitude. “Blesséd are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
People are willing to suffer if it is worth it. Athletes are willing to suffer injury. Patients are willing to endure the surgeon’s knife. Ice fishermen are willing to endure the freezing cold. They all believe that it is worth it. It is not the pain of the moment, but the glory of the outcome.
What is the outcome for those who are persecuted? “Yours is the kingdom of heaven…great is your reward in heaven.” The victory, the healing, the fish. These are only temporary, but the outcome for those persecuted for Jesus’ sake is eternal: the kingdom of heaven.
Of course, enduring persecution does not earn us a place in heaven. Christ earned this for us. He cleansed us from all our sins in His own blood and clothed us in His righteousness. He endured hell so that we will enjoy heaven.
Therefore, “blesséd are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven.”
Lord God, keep us steadfast in the midst of persecution for Jesus’ sake, Amen.