Devotion
for Thursday December 22, 2016
Topic:
THE BLESSINGS IN PERSECUTION
Text:
Matthew 5:10 – 12
As we conclude the study on the Beatitudes, we should note
these four ways to understand and imbibe its lessons.
(1) They are codes of ethics for us and a standard of
conduct for all Christians. What it means is that we are not to choose the one
we want and discard the others rather we are bound to have them and live by
them.
(2) They contrast Kingdom values (what is eternal) with
worldly values (what is temporary). Most Christians of today are much more
interested in the worldly things and their values. We should be careful to
understand the things that are needful for us so as not to be carried away by
worldly value and we miss heaven at last.
(3) They contrast the superficial faith of the Pharisees
with the real faith that Christ demands. What Christ demands from us is what
matters even when people do not consider it as normal or they see them as
outdated.
(4) They show how the Old Testament expectations will be
fulfilled in the new Kingdom.
These Beatitudes are not multiple choices to pick from;
rather, it must be taken as a whole. They describe what we should be like, as
Christ’s followers and how we should relate with God and Man.
In this last of the Beatitudes, Jesus stresses what will
mark us out as matured Christians. It takes a high level of maturity to endure
temptations and trials without losing your faith. Jesus said we should rejoice
when we’re persecuted for our faith for the following reasons.
(1) It takes our eyes off earthly rewards.
(2) It strips away superficial belief,
(3) It strengthens our faith when we endure, and
(4) Our attitude going through it serves as an example to
others who follow.
We should be comforted knowing that God’s greatest prophets
were persecuted (Elijah, Jeremiah, Daniel, etc). The fact that we are being
persecuted proves that we have been faithful. Remain faithful because God will
reward those faithful by receiving them into His eternal Kingdom, where there will
be no more persecution. Will you be
there?
Food for
Thought: Persecution strengthens our faith
when we endure it.
Memory
verse: Matthew 5 verse 10: Blessed
are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom
of heaven (KJV).
Prayer:
God, I need your grace to endure persecution,
trial and temptations that may come my way in Jesus name. Amen.
