Blessed Persecution

 Jesus was preparing his disciples for the reality of persecution from the very early parts of his ministry.

Matthew 5:10-12: Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you (NASB).”

Jesus instructed his followers from the beginning of his ministry to understand their suffering persecution as a blessing, even to rejoice and be glad on these occasions of suffering. Jesus expected that his followers would suffer persecution.

Persecution is a time to rejoice:

“Count it all joy my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds” (James 1:2). Can you think of a greater trial than being verbally abused or physically assaulted for your faith in Christ? Even in a trail like that, God would have us respond with joy. This “joy” is a not a result of the trial itself of course, but because of what the trial produces that is, steadfastness and ultimately becoming more like God wants you to be (James 1:3-4).

Persecution is a time of blessing:

At the end of the Beatitudes, Jesus said “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account” (Mt. 5:10-11). According to Jesus we are “blessed” (a word here meaning “God approved”) when we are going through persecution either verbal or physical or both.

Persecution is a time for greater faith:

After telling them that they will be persecuted for the message they’re presenting, Jesus tells them to have no fear (10:26, 28, 31). When a Christian faces persecution it is with faith, not fear.

Persecution is a time to reach out to others:

The Christians being written to in Peter’s first letter were going through terrible persecution (1:6-7). During this time of persecution, Peter tells them to continue following God (1:13-19). Because they were redeemed by God to live a life for Him regardless of the trouble that may come, and because living for God in the midst of persecution could lead to the conversion of some who do not yet know Christ (2:11-12; 3:15)

The mission mantra – Be as sheep among wolves, wise as serpents and harmless as doves.

Prepared by Diane Ward