Read Matthew 5:1-16. V 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
It is quite possible to believe all of the Beatitudes but to back away from any personal application of them, especially when it comes to suffering for Christ. In this passage, the Savior seems intent on nailing down a personal application of the truth. How can we be blessed when someone is lying about us or harassing us just because we’re Christians? It all depends on: (1) for whom, (2) for what, and (3) in whose company. Let’s look at these three concepts: Men shall revile you, etc. for My sake, Jesus said. If we are getting the heat because of our own faults and failings, that is one thing; but if what we are experiencing comes for His sake, the matter is viewed in an entirely different light. Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, Paul said to the church at Philippi, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake (Phil. 1:29). Great is your reward in heaven. We are living not only for the here and now, but also for eternity. The Judgment Seat of Christ is coming, and His rewards will be given to those who have been faithful. Remember: Jesus never minimized or exaggerated. If He said the reward is great, then it is great, and because it is, no suffering is too much for His sake. So persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Those who suffer for Christ are in wonderful company. Indeed, if being persecuted for Christ puts us with the likes of Abraham, David, and Isaiah, we ought to be glad to belong! Put yourself in the Beatitudes. Not they but I. That makes a difference, doesn’t it, dear friend!
This devotional was written by Dr. Robert A. Cook. You can subscribe to his free email articles and listen to his Spirit-filled 15-minute messages at www.walkwiththeking.org. Used with written permission.
