Text: Matthew 5:10 NKJV

Further Reading: Matthew 10:16-39

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:10 NKJV

MESSAGE

The Christian journey to heaven is no child’s play. It calls for endurance and perseverance – no one can run this race except he is aided by the Lord. One thing that believers must expect is persecution or tribulation. Jesus in his teachings taught that Christians will suffer great tribulations in the world with the assurance of victory.

The words of Jesus came true when the Apostles began to experience serious persecution. The book Acts detailed many of such persecution from the Martyrdom of Stephen to the endless persecution of Paul.

Peter in his encouragement gave us these words to meditate upon:
Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 1 Peter 4:12‭-‬13 KJV

Are you currently going through trials and tribulations, here are some of the things Jesus taught would happen. One of the first thing that will happen is being betrayed or persecuted by your family. Jesus said a man’s enemy is the people in his household (Matthew 10:21;36).

It is not a secrete that if your family persecutes, you can expect no family members to do the worse. Jesus called you blessed (Matthew 5:11-12). In our text of the day, the Lord said, that when you go through persecution that you will have the kingdom of heaven as your reward.

Christians who go through persecution without compromise are called overcomers (Revelations 12:11). The Lord also taught that believers who are not well grounded in the faith will not survive persecutions or tribulations (Matthew 13:21). Are you grounded in the faith? Do you know your God? Don’t forget that does who do not know God intimately will be swept away by the enemy’s deceptions but the believers who know God will be strong and do exploit.

In our reading of the day, Jesus did not mince words when He said that we must expect persecution because, if He was a subject of persecution we will also have a share of it. The only assurance is that He will promise to be with us till the end of the age (Matthew 28:19-20).

Now you must be ready to stand as a good soldier of Christ. Let nothing shake you, neither life nor death nor things above or beneath the earth, or things to come should separate you from the love of Jesus Christ.

REFLECTION

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 KJV

Jesus has overcome the world for you. Therefore relax, your trial will only make you a shining light in your generation.

PRAYER

Father, help me to stand faithfully amidst persecutions and testify to God’s glory. Amen.