Blessed are (IX) those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

If there was ever a place where the Kingdom is opposite from that of the World, it is here. How on earth can we be blessed in the midst of persecution? Interestingly, this beatitude (Matthew 5:10) is the only one that Jesus expands, telling us something of the what and the why (verses 11, 12). But let's start with “for righteousness’ sake.” In particular we can be persecuted because we are obnoxious! But it is interesting to me to note that some of cults who get it wrong about Jesus, but nevertheless do correctly teach Biblical morals, they are also persecuted. But what exactly is righteousness in this context? Well, poor and meek in spirt, pure in heart etc., etc. And some in the cults are certainly sincere. What seems to happen, is that moral lives expose the darkness in others. If, for example, others are stealing from work and you refuse (not obnoxiously), then their sin is exposed (John 3:20), and the best form or defense is attack!

So what is this persecution the Lord is talking about? Verse 11 reads “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.” To revile means to to assail with contemptuous or opprobrious language, to address or speak of abusively. This can include mocking and shaming, belittling and insulting. And the sort of evil that is spoken against you can be accusations of self righteousness or simply outright lies that malign your character. Note that it is “for my sake.” I understand this to mean that these things come simply because you or I are simply trying to live for Him, and because of this spirits of the age are stirred up to plant these thoughts and actions in the hearts and minds of those who do not know Him. Remember our struggle is not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:12).

Concerning the why or how, we read in verse 12 “Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” The Lord knows what is going on and when we respond the way that He did enduring for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2) and refusing to revile when we are reviled (1 Peter 2:23), then we are suffering for the kingdom and we will receive the same rewards the prophets receive for their faithfulness.

Father, as always, we can't do this without You. We need Your courage to live the Christian life without compromise. But we can do all things Lord through You who straighten us. Forgive us when we fail and equip us day by day day to be rejoicing in hope of Your blessing, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer, in Jesus Name Amen