Matthew 5:10-11 (ESV)
[10] “Blessed are those who are persecuted for
righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[11] “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and
utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
In a world where having someone disagree with you is considered offensive, I’m
not sure we understand these verses at all. The apostles laid their lives on
the line to follow Jesus. Paul died in a Roman prison. Peter was crucified
upside down because he did not believe that he was worthy of dying as his Lord
did. Every Apostle had his life cut short for the gospel except for John, who
was truly persecuted and then exiled to a small island alone. Men and women
around the world are ostracized by their families, imprisoned, and killed for
their faith. Is having to wear a mask to church really persecution? Is a Pride
parade in your town really persecution? Is an internet meme or a letter to the newspaper
about the evils of Christianity really persecution? I watched a television show
the other day about some people racing around the world. They were in the
African bush and in the crowded streets of India. Their concern was missing
their eye cream and their makeup. Really!? Look around you! We have become so accustomed
to and dependent on the things that bring us comfort that we have begun to
think of them as necessities. Without them we must be persecuted. I’m sitting
in a heated room with electricity, hot coffee, a Bible, a computer, and good
internet access all provided at no cost from a Christian ministry allowing me
to take a couple days for a planning retreat. At the same time there are brothers
and sisters around the world shivering in the cold or hiding in fear, but
grateful to have the opportunity to know God and worship him. I don’t feel
guilty for what I have. I am incredibly thankful! But I am also aware that my
Christian faith is not dependent on these comforts. Jesus said, “Blessed are
those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.” I only pray that my faith
will be as strong when I am called to face real persecution.
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