PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS SAKE – Matthew 5:10
Friday, August 1st, 2008Matthew 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
This is one of those passages that are extremely difficult to fully comprehend. How is it that you can be happy when you are suffering because you have chosen to do the right thing? When others persecute you because of your faith, all sorts of unjust things are happening in your life and being happy is not your natural response. You must remember that the ways of God are not always your ways. Your definition of happiness is not necessarily the definition that Jesus uses in this passage.
Elijah was a man who was persecuted because he was a servant of God. It was because of this persecution that he experienced the hand of God in his life. Elijah saw God miraculously provide for his daily needs. If Elijah had not been persecuted for righteousness sake, his relationship with God would not have been as strong because he then would not have had the daily need that only God could provide.
Later on in the life of Elijah, we see how Elijah was used of God to bring fire out of heaven and rain from a small cloud. Even though all the people saw the hand of God in his life, Elijah still had to flee for his life. Elijah was upset that he was being persecuted, yet it was during this time that he received new direction from God. Yes Elijah had to endure a 40 day fast and a long journey, but he once again found his relationship with God growing.
Elijah never would have received the blessings from God which included HIS protection, provision, and direction had he first not suffered persecution. Elijah may have complained and he may have been upset, but true spiritual happiness was the result of his persecution. Seeing God protect you, provide for you, and direct you is very important aspect of your life: would you rather lack direction, lack provision, or lack protection?
There are great rewards that come from persecution. When the early New Testament church was persecuted, we see how God used this to help spread the gospel around the world. The Christians who were persecuted and fled where then blessed because they obeyed the Great Commission to go into the whole world and preach the gospel. If it had not been for the persecution, the church would have grown stagnant and remained comfortable in their current position.
You must remember the promises of God. God has promised you that you will be blessed when you suffer persecution. If you allow your persecution to be the center of your attention, then you may lose sight of God and HIS provision, protection, and direction for your life. God does not make a mistake and this persecution is brought into your life for a purpose. When you listen to the words of Christ and you learn not to worry about things that you cannot control, then when persecution comes, your attention will be drawn to God and HE will be able to bless you in ways you never imagined.
Stop and take the time to add knowledge of the ways of God. As you study the scriptures, you will understand how God used persecution for the furtherance of HIS kingdom. Until you take the time to understand who God is, you will lack the ability to fully appreciate the trials that God has brought into your life. If you desire the blessings of God, you must release your control over your life, and you must allow God to use these difficult times for HIS glory.