"Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matt 5:11-12 (NKJV)
Have you suffered persecution for the sake of Christ? Probably not...at least, not much. We are privileged to live in a nation that allows religious freedom. There are many Christians living in other parts of the world who are not so privileged. For them, claiming to be followers of Christ might even put their lives at risk. They are in good company.
The Heroes of the faith listed in Hebrews, Chapter 12, also faced persecution. The writer of Hebrews describes some of what they faced: "...others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented--of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth." Heb 11:35-38 (NKJV) This all sounds pretty challenging.
It almost doesn't seem fair...that "we" would face little or no persecution, while brothers and sisters around the world face persecution and martyrdom. God, being just, does have something in mind for those that are persecuted--He is saving a great reward for them in heaven. Keep in mind that this reward is coming from the God who is able and ready to give gifts that are beyond what we can even conceive of or imagine! Keep this thought in mind: Many of the Bible heroes were not rescued or rewarded while they were alive. They had to wait until the next life. Not everything in your life will prove to be fair or "nice" to you; however God will reward you in the life to come.
Prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father, we know that you are great and that you are preparing an amazing place in Your heavenly kingdom for those that are persecuted for Your Name's sake. Thank you for the freedom that allows me to worship You openly. Lord, may I use this freedom to proclaim Your Gospel in a way that is both loving and convincing to those that do not know You." Amen
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matt 5:10 (NKJV)
In the last ten years the world has witnessed some of the most severe persecution that Christians have ever faced. Literally thousands of Believers have lost their lives in Northern Africa. The reason...they are Christians. Entire villages that were occupied by Christians no longer exist as Muslims have put the "Infidels" to the sword. The nations of the world have said very little and done virtually nothing to stem the tide of brutality.
It is hard for us, living in America, to even comprehend that people are actually being martyred for their faith. How could this possibly be construed as being a blessing? There are two thoughts that come to mind: Firstly, they are being persecuted for a cause worth living for and if need be, dying for. Secondly, it makes them aware that this world is not their home.
Persecution does not always mean that you are being blessed--at least not if you are being persecuted for the wrong reasons. The Apostle Peter said it best: If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you...But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. 1 Peter 4:14-15 (NKJV) If you are going to be persecuted, make sure that it is for the right reasons and not on account of bad behavior. The time may come when standing for Jesus and preaching the truths of God's Word will lead "us" into a time of persecution. There is no doubt that the actions of those engaging in persecution is reprehensible, but for those who suffer for Christ--"theirs is the kingdom of heaven!"
Prayer: Dear Father, it is good to know that You have all things in control. I know that you love those that suffer for Your name's sake and that you been their strength. Lord, please keep your hand of protection on those of Your children who are suffering persecution. Give them courageous hearts so that they might continue to stand up and be counted. And in those parts of the world where the persecution is raging--we pray that Your church would grow and that your people would shine Your love all the more!" Amen
"Blessed are the peacemakers, For they shall be called sons of God." Matt 5:9 (NKJV)
Back in the days of the Wild West many disputes were settled with guns. The Colt Model P was often the weapon of choice. It was one of the more accurate weapons and had a revolving chamber that held up to six bullets. This was a definite advantage against a weapon that was limited to one shot. The weapon became popularly known as the "Peacemaker." I am very confident that this was not what Jesus had in mind when He talked about peacemakers.
There has to be a better way to make peace with adversarial people than the threat of violence. The Bible suggests two tactics that solve about 90% of all disputes between people: "If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men." (Romans 12:18) If you apply this verse to your life, it will make it very unlikely that you will be the source that disrupts the peace. Since most disputes require two parties, if you remove yourself from the equation--or better yet--never become a part of the equation, you are acting as a peacemaker. But, what if there is an unavoidable conflict? That brings us to the second tactic.
When dealing with people and disputes we must learn to speak the truth in love. It starts by being truthful with ourselves--making sure that we have not taken liberty with the truth or twisted it to serve our purposes. Then we speak that truth in love. The Bible tells us that love has the ability to cover an abundance of sin. Which means that we do not hold people's sin and weaknesses against them. So, when you speak the truth in love, it means that you are giving an accurate, truthful testimony--and sharing it in a way that serves the best interests of the other party involved.
Prayer: "Dear Father in Heaven, You are great and greatly to be praised. I do pray that Your Kingdom would come and rule in my heart; and that my life would be a reflection of Your grace and mercy in everyday life. Please help me avoid being a source of offense with others, and make me bold enough to speak the truth in love." Amen
"Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God." Matt 5:8 (NKJV)
It is said that we are who we really are when no-one else is around to "see" what we are doing. If that is true then there is hope for the Believer. Our spiritual life is fortified in a private place called the prayer closet. For most of us it is not a real closet, but a daily time set aside where we are sequestered with God. It is this private place of devotion that defines who we really are, and sets our hearts on a quest for purity.
Is it possible to be pure in heart...completely pure? Probably not...let me explain: The word "pure" suggests a perfection that is beyond our human ability to attain; however, as Believers we are covered by the ever cleansing, purifying, transforming work of Christ. We take on the righteousness of Christ and stand before God as someone who is pure. As Believers, we are partakers in Christ's righteousness based on His grace, mercy and love which rescued us from the impurity of a sinful heart.
One day we will all stand before God, and only the pure in heart will hear the voice of the Lord say, "Welcome, thou good and faithful servant." Do we enter on the basis of our innate goodness? "No"--we enter, because, we put our hope and faith in the One who was able to cover us when we were too weak to cover ourselves. Until that time, when we see God face to face, the Apostle Paul has some good advice that will help move us towards purity. He said, "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things." Phil 4:8 (NKJV) Great advice!!
Prayer: (The Lord's Prayer as recorded by Matthew) "Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our defts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever." Amen
"Blessed are the merciful, For they shall obtain mercy." Matt 5:7 (NKJV)How many times have I said or thought, "Well, they got what they deserved;" while passing down my esteemed judgment on another person? Here is a more pressing question for Yours Truly: "What would happen to me if God gave me what I deserve?" If God gives me what I deserve, you need to make sure that you leave plenty of space between us when the lightning starts to strike. Here is the great news--instead of giving me what I deserve, God has given me mercy.Before we get too carried away with our own goodness when comparing ourselves to others, we need a better standard that will help challenge our self-righteous attitude. How do we measure up when compared to Jesus? (He is the standard for Followers of Christ) A wise man once said, "We judge others by their actions while judging ourselves by our intentions." Talk about exposing our hypocrisy.So, how should we respond to the failures and weaknesses of others? The obvious answer for a Follower of Christ would be--"As God has responded to you." Our heavenly Father has received us as sons and daughters, cleaning us up, giving us His unconditional love, amazing grace, forgiveness of sin...it is called "mercy." With God's help, this is how we should receive one another. If you want God's mercy to continue to be rained down upon you--then make sure that you heap mercy on others.Prayer: "Merciful Father, Your name is great and greatly to be praised. Thank you for your grace and the love that sustains and strengthens me. Dare I pray, Father forgive me as I forgive others? Yes--that is my prayer. Make me a vessel of Your mercy to others. May I return good for evil and see people through your eyes of love." Amen
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled." Matt 5:6 (NKJV)
Very often, in the last stage of life, a person completely loses their appetite for food. Life requires the sustenance that food provides. All the protein, minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, fat and sugar are essential in building the new cells that are continually replacing the old. We need the calories that produce the energy that we are burning as we live and breathe. The complete loss of an appetite is a warning sign that something has gone wrong.
Now apply this same principle to our spiritual life. Jesus states that those who are spiritually ravenous will be filled and are living in a state of blessing. It is no mystery as to why hungry people will be filled, because, hungry people tend to look for food--and when they have found it, they will feed themselves until they are no longer hungry. The bigger question is this: Why are spiritually hungry people blessed?
They are blessed, because as they "fill up" and satisfy their spiritual hunger with spiritual food--they have the spiritual sustenance that will cause them to grow and create the necessary energy to serve. Spiritually hungry people are the driving force that causes the Church to surge forward. Please read this again: "Spiritually hungry people are the driving force that causes the Church to surge forward!" On the other hand, without spiritual sustenance, Believers grow weak, lethargic and sickly. Are you hungry and thirsty?
Prayer: "Dear Father, I am blessed by Your love, and continually in need of Your grace. I often fall short of who I want to be, but in the midst of my failure You are a voice of encouragement. Your Word tells me that if I draw close to You that You will draw close to me, so Father, create in me a desire--a hunger and a thirst--a growing appetite to be Godly. As I grow in You may I ever bring glory to Your great name!" Amen
"Blessed are the meek, For they shall inherit the earth." Matt 5:5 (NKJV)
I have to admit that I pretty much "hate" the way Jesus is portrayed in most Hollywood productions. He is usually portrayed as being out of touch, eccentric, strange and weak. Kind of like a flower child from the late 60's. Too often, this is our idea of what it means to be meek. Meek may rhyme with weak, but do not mistake one for the other.
Meekness is strength under control. It is the combination of a courageous heart and a gentle touch. In the sermon on the mount, Jesus gave His followers a lesson in what it means to be meek. 38 "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. 40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away. 43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you." Matt 5:38-44 (NKJV)
"Jesus, are you kidding me?" Most of us get bent out of shape when another person dares to trample on our rights. Let me suggest that Jesus is calling us to a higher plane of understanding. That we do not live for ourselves, but live and act as representatives of God's Kingdom. Meekness sets us apart, because most people are too self-centered to put this Kingdom principle into action. As you face each day with strength and gentleness you will change your world.
Prayer: "Dear Heavenly Father, blessed be Your name. May I always remember how gracious You have been to me and in turn, demonstrate the same kind of graciousness to others. For those that have hurt me; give me the capacity to forgive them, and then fill me with the capacity to love them. Set me apart for Your purposes today as I endeavor to walk in meekness." Amen
"Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted." Matt 5:4 (NKJV)
There is a hardness of heart that naturally exists within mankind. That hardness is reflected in the American culture. Our movies are riddled with violence--peppered with foul language--with the clear message that rebellion against any established authority is somehow chic. To be proud of our fallen state and post-modern barbarism is the order of the day.
In the midst of this cultural folly, God calls His people to be strong in character and heart-broken over the fallen state of those lost in the darkness. God calls the church to "morn" when we consider those that are lost, broken, addicted, blinded and headed for disaster. It is this "soft" heart that causes us to reach out with love and minister with grace. As God's fruit flows through our lives--His love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal. 5:22,23)--we become God's salt and light.
Here is a comforting thought: You--"Yes" you--can be a life-changing influence in the life of another person. The fact that you care will make a difference...it may actually prove to be "the" difference. Let us follow in the footsteps of Jesus, who mourned over those that were lost in darkness; and let us be comforted as Jesus uses our lives to bring them into the light.
Prayer: "Dear Father, may Your name be high and lifted up among those who identify themselves as Followers of Christ. You are worthy of all praise, glory and honor! Cause me to care about the things that You care about; and compel me to be Your light and salt wherever I go in my daily life. As I observe the lives of others may I be filled with compassion. Please use me this day to touch a life with Your love." Amen
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matt 5:3 (NKJV)
Most people want to go to heaven. (I heard someone recently say that they did not believe in heaven, but if there was a heaven, they wanted to go there) What does it take to secure my arrival on that celestial shore and what is the main obstacle that blocks my passage? The answer is found in the first Beatitude. It deals with the condition of my spirit. I will inherit the kingdom of heaven if I am poor in spirit. Being poor in spirit has nothing to do with poverty and has everything to do with being humble.
Here are some questions to consider that will help you check the level of humility level in your heart:
1. Do I willingly submit to the teaching of the Bible, or do I trust in my own intellect?
2. Do I consider myself better than others or do I put their needs before my own?
3. Am I open to God's discipline and willing to change?
4. Do I trust in God more than myself and am I willing to submit to His will?
When we trust in God and "lean not on our own understanding," it means that there exists within our spirit an abiding humility that allows us to hear and follow God as He leads us. Humility ultimately leads us to a place where God is in control of our lives, and it allows God to embrace us and take us home to be with Him in the kingdom of heaven.
Prayer: "Heavenly Father, I know that You are good and have demonstrated Your love to me time and time again. Thank you for treating me with grace and not giving me what I deserve. As I approach today, I pray that you would give me the spiritual strength to live every moment of this day for You. May I fulfill your Kingdom purposes and walk according to Your will and not my own." Amen
