Title: The Holy Journey/Matthew 5:10-12
Contents Holy Journey/Matthew 5:10-12
There are several levels of faith. There are people who are mature in faith and people who are young. Depending on the depth of our faith, God's requirements are also different.
Today's text is the last of the 8 blessings. It is an expression of God's expectation for those who have matured in faith. I think it is a confession of faith that can be made by those who have reached the depths of faith.
In Acts 5:40-41, we see people who rejoiced and glorified being persecuted for the sake of Jesus Christ. “When they saw it right, they called the apostles, scourged them, and forbade them to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go, and the apostles left the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be reproached for the sake of his name.”
The reason to accept persecution as a blessing is that, first, persecution is a clear sign that you are united with Christ. John 15:18-20 says, “If you were of the world, the world would love its own, but the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.”
Second, 1 Peter 1:6-8 says, “Therefore, now you were forced to be grieved for a little while because of various trials, but on the contrary, we rejoice greatly. Because the trial of your faith is more precious than gold that perishes even though it is tried with fire, so that you may find praise, glory, and honor at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”
Third, as verse 10 of today's text clearly states, for those who overcome persecution, a great reward is prepared in heaven. First, as in verse 10, you will be guaranteed the kingdom of heaven, and furthermore, there is another distinguished reward as in verse 12, “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.”
Fourth, God is especially close to the saints when they are persecuted. In Daniel 3:24-25, there is a scene where King Nebuchadnezzar bound Daniel and three of his friends and threw them into the furnace, but God quickly sent his messenger, and the four men walked through the fire without being hurt. Even today, God is especially close to those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, protecting and helping them.
Have you ever been persecuted for believing in Jesus? Let us remember that persecution for the sake of righteousness is God's call to us on a holy journey. No one is subjected to such persecution. Let us overcome persecution for the sake of righteousness through faith.