MORE THOUGHTS ON PERSECUTION
Matthew 5:10-12

In our last study we focused upon the physical aspects of persecution.  But Jesus described two other types in this Beatitude.  He stated that we would be blessed when people insulted us.  The Greek word means "to throw abusive words in the face of an opponent."  These are the frontal assaults upon our character.  Jesus also described those moments when we would be falsely accused.  The Greek word refers to those abusive words said behind our backs.  These are the hardest to take because we cannot defend against them, and these words have the opportunity of spreading and being believed before we can confront them. 

Friends, we should expect persecution because the world persecuted Christ Jesus.  Remember these words which Jesus shared with His disciples that evening in which He was betrayed:  If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.  If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own.  As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.  That is why the world hates you.  Remember the words I spoke to you:  No servant is greater than his master.  If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.  If they obeyed my teachings, they will obey yours also  (John 15:18-20).  Paul admonished the believers in Philippi, For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him  (Philippians 1:29).

What is the purpose of persecution?  First, persecution allows us the opportunity to show forth the supernatural radiance of the Christian life.  We can be like Stephen, whose face shown like that of an angel even though he was being stoned to death.  That image must have had a great impact upon a young man named Saul, who later, himself would suffer greatly for Christ. 

Secondly, persecution is used by God to perfect the believer.  Peter, who knew a lot about suffering himself, wrote these words:  In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.  These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.  Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy  (1 Peter 1:6-8).

Finally, it is through persecution that we demonstrate our identity with Christ.  I am reminded of the attitude of the disciples as they soon experienced suffering following the day of Pentecost.  But the writer of Acts records this marvelous statement about them:  The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.  Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 5:41-42).  They rejoiced because they were considered worthy by God to suffer.  I wonder, if God called me to suffer for His Name, whether I would consider it a cause for rejoicing.  How about you, dear friend?  What would be your attitude? 

Father, As we have seen from the Scriptures, the purpose of suffering really is make us more like the Lord Jesus.  We hesitate to pray for persecution, but Father make us strong when those times do come.  We pray this in Christ's precious name.  Amen.

 

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