Matthew 5:11-12
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Application: 

In Matthew 5:10, Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs isn’t about being persecuted because of wickedness. Instead, it’s about being mistreated because you display the kingdom characteristics described in Matthew 5:3–9, and some people won’t like you for doing so. 

Persecution may take a variety of forms and come from a variety of sources (family, an employer, the culture, the government). But in receiving it, you’ll be in the company of a class of people (see Heb 11) of whom the world is not worthy (Heb 11:38). If you’re willing to be rejected by men to be accepted by God, the kingdom of heaven is yours.

It’s hard to believe that undergoing persecution is a blessing, but Jesus wanted his disciples to know that he was serious. Notice that the persecution that brings blessing is directly tied to Jesus. When they insult you and tell lies about you because of Jesus, you are blessed (5:11). Since essentially the same thing happened to the Old Testament prophets, you’re in good company. But how can you be glad and rejoice in the midst of the mess? You can remember that your reward is great (5:12). 

God knows how to deliver. And as Paul told the Romans, “The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us” (Rom 8:18).

Reference: Tony Evans, The Tony Evans Bible Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2019), 871–872.

To God be the glory!

Our Lord Jesus Christ created everything! By Him, For Him!

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Disclaimer

When God inspires me, I write blogs. Consider this writing as a Bible study. Like the Bereans in Acts 17:11, search the Scriptures to determine whether what I write is so. Always consult with your church ministers about biblical matters. I am also not a professional writer, so some grammar or spelling errors may be present. I try my best to write as efficiently as possible. Your brother in Christ, Ricardo

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My book, “Battle Strategy: God’s Plan Amid Chaos.” It’s packed with helpful insights into Bible study and understanding. You can get a free digital version on my website. Fifty percent of the proceeds from this book go to helping children. The book covers the main biblical points and salvation, so you’ll find something valuable. 

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