10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
It is a simple fact that when we are living out the beatitudes, when we possess the characteristics of those in the Kingdom, we will be hated and persecuted for His sake. Not all the time. It's not a constant persecution or hatred. In fact, because kingdom people are kind and loving and live a life of integrity, often then are very well liked. But that will change if you ever have to confront someone over their sin.
As MacArthur points out in his sermon, Happy are the Harassed (Part 2)....
The world can't handle our kind of life, our kind of living; they can't stomach it, they can't handle it. It's not acceptable to them; they don't even understand it. Poverty of spirit runs counter to the pride of an unbelieving heart. The repentant, contrite disposition that mourns over sin is never appreciated by the callous, indifferent, unsympathetic world. The meek and quiet spirit that takes wrong and is not quick to strike back is regarded as pusillanimous and rasps against the proud, militant, resentful spirit characteristic of our world. The craving after deeper spiritual blessing from the Lord is a rebuke to the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, as is a merciful spirit to the hardness and cruelty of our world. Purity of heart contrasts sharply and painfully with hypocrisy and corruption. And a peacemaker cannot be tolerated by a contentious, antagonistic world age, and that's exactly why they react the way they react.
And so there will be times when we are hated. There will be times when people say things behind our backs. There will be times when people say venomous things straight to our faces. And when that happens, rejoice.
Rejoice?!
Yes, for two reasons. One - our reward in heaven will be great. Our life here is a vapour - we just discussed that a lot in our study on Ecclesiastes. It is really, really short. And heaven lasts forever. Forever! Investing in heaven is always a better choice.
And secondly, we know the prophets were persecuted similarly. This is not a "misery loves company" kind of idea. Rather it is a huge confirmation of genuine faith. The world doesn't persecute the wishy washy. The world doesn't persecute people just like them. Persecution is a proof of salvation. And when you face persecution, you are in some pretty classy company - Joseph, Isaiah, the majority of the 12 disciples, Paul and even Jesus Himself.
My Life Application Bible adds this....
Jesus said to rejoice when we're persecuted. Persecution can be good because (1) it takes our eyes off earthly rewards, (2) it strips away superficial belief, (3) it strengthens the faith of those who endure, and (4) our attitude through it serves as an example to others who follow. We can be comforted to know that God's greatest prophets were persecuted (Elijah, Jeremiah, Daniel). The fact that we are being persecuted proves that we have been faithful; faithless people would be unnoticed. In the future God will reward the faithful by receiving them into his eternal kingdom where there is no more persecution.
The beatitudes are an amazing list, both of the qualities necessary to enter the kingdom, and the continuing characteristics of those living in the kingdom.
MacArthur ended his sermon with these words, may they be your prayer and mine, today as well...
Oh God, may we be Kingdom people; may we live the way You want us to live. May we come and enter on Your terms the narrow way, and may we walk that narrow way, difficult as it is, in Your strength. May we know there is a price to pay, and be willing to pay it for Jesus' sake, Amen.
Tomorrow's scripture focus: Matthew 5:13-16
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