The Blessedness of Persecution

April 18, 2012
Scripture Verses that caught my attention today: Matthew 5:11-12 AND Matthew 5:44-48 Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you……. 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Observation: As always, Jesus presents challenge.

Application: Many people have felt persecuted at one time or another. A student may think a teacher has treated him/her unfairly, a teacher may think a parent or administrator has treated him/her unfairly, an administrator may think a board member or member of the public has treated him/her unfairly, and likewise the scenario goes for almost any profession, trade, or family situation. The church, and those called, elected, or and/or volunteering to lead her, may also at times feel such pressure. No one is immune. Persecution can arise at almost any time from almost any quarter with almost any amount of force. There is no magic protective shield from such things. If you think otherwise it would appear that your alarm as simply not yet gone off and you are still dreaming. Don’t despair…you will eventually wake up! ☺

Jesus has an interesting observation about persecuted people. He says that under certain circumstances (false accusations on Christ’s account, for example) they are blessed. Strange as it seems, Jesus contends that persecution may even be a sign of blessing and indeed of association with the prophets of old. He should know.

Be that as it may, these blessed persecuted people, if they are still breathing, have a mission that is not yet ended. They are called to love the very ones that persecute them. Notice Jesus doesn’t say “like.” Nor does Jesus say that persecuted people should necessarily “agree with” those who persecute them. But it does say love.

Exactly HOW that love might best be expressed—be it tough love or tender love or somewhere in between—is a process largely left open for the blessed persecuted ones to decide.

Prayer: Lord, I know of some folks who are feeling a bit persecuted even now. I believe they are blessed and I believe that they are endeavoring to love. Help them find the best way to do so…literally in Jesus’ name. Amen.

(Readings today included: 1 Samuel 20-21, Psalm 34, and Matthew 5)