Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted...

"Every tear of sorrow sown by the righteous springs up a pearl."  - Matthew Henry

When a person decides to come to Christ, it should be considered a very serious endeavor. It is unlike anything that one can do in their life. We may aspire to climb mountains, participate in various competitive events, achieve career success, find love and happiness, etc. But following Jesus Christ is quite unique.

Some may be under the impression that once this personal transformation takes place all will be blue skies and sunshine. It will lead to some positive changes, that, I won't deny. However, the devoted Christian will not be exempt from the ills of this sinful world. Anyone committing to Christ, and not understanding this, is setting themselves up for disappointment.

For a powerful example, I refer you to 1 Peter 4:12-14. The apostle Peter had personally experienced persecution. He had also witnessed other fellow Christians suffer and die because of their faith. As a result of this oppression against the church, many had scattered. He wanted to offer them hope, comfort, and to encourage their faithfulness to Christ.

When the going is good, or easy, our confidence and morale is usually high and upbeat. Everything falls into place and the road ahead is clearly visible. But what happens when this scenario is turned upside down? Or, the bottom falls out, storm clouds move in, and the waters become choppy?

The Christian knows this goes with the territory. He is well aware that suffering may be lurking somewhere right around the next corner. He is not surprised by this. Why? Because he knows that he is not given a free pass around troubles just because of his faith and devotion. Persecution and suffering are no strangers to the believer in Christ (2 Timothy 3:12).

Believers walk through this painful world not as strangers in an unfamiliar environment, but as partakers of Christ's sufferings. This might sound bizarre or unusual to others, but Christians gladly participate in these sorrows, trials, and unpleasantries in order to receive their reward. We are not alone as we endure them. The Spirit of God is with us (Luke 6:22).

As a believer in Christ, don't let suffering shock you. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Don't let persecution throw you off the track. At first it may catch you off guard or surprise you. But keep this in mind, persecution and suffering are not products of good men. Only the evil revel in this.

Additionally, and historically speaking, the sorrows caused by persecution have been consistent. The morally impure despise the pure, the mockers dislike the real, the false teachers are annoyed and infuriated by those who teach the truth, and the wicked hate the virtuous.

A strong and virile faith can be compared to the burning bush of Moses. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it was not consumed (Exodus 3:1-6). Thus is the faith of the potent Christian. The faithful believer truly understands that the experience of trials is necessary for Christian growth and maturity.

If you glean only one thing from this message, I hope that it will be the knowledge that through the midst of all of the sufferings you may encounter in life, you may find as a partaker in Christ's sufferings a reason for great joy. Keep these words close to your heart at all times: "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:10).

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:10; Revelation 21:4; 1 John 3:13; 2 Corinthians 12:10; Mark 13:13

Prayer: Dear Lord,  provide me with the strength that I need to endure whatever trials I may encounter in my life. Amen

May the Lord bless you always!

Katherine