In today’s study, Selwyn continues his consideration of the last beatitude; and, as I also like Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase (The Message) of this beatitude, it’s worthwhile repeating it: “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom” (Matthew 5:10).
As we travel on life’s journey many unfortunate events may happen and sometimes people may be hostile, angry or just ignore our presence – many of these cases will have nothing to do with us being persecuted because of righteousness – it’s just the ‘fallen’ world as we know it! Do you agree?
As Selwyn says: ‘It is important to note that in the eight beatitude Jesus did not say, “Blessed are those who are persecuted”, but “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness.” Persecution is blessed by God when it comes as a result of righteousness. …
A Christian should be quite different from those who are not believers – those living according to the culture of this world.
The point our Lord wants us to remember is that when we are persecuted because of righteousness, the hostility we experience is really not about us but about Him.‘
The prince of this world (Satan) dislikes anyone who follows Jesus -it’s his nature. His pride can’t stand the fact that he has lost control of someone because they have been saved by the grace of Jesus and they have chosen to follow the one true God. The words of 1 Peter 5:7-9, reminds us that Jesus cares for us and will help us to stand firm; ‘Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.’
I also like the prayer for today, especially the point about ‘forgiving grace’: “Lord Jesus Christ, shafts of jealousy and persecution were thrown at You yet by Your love and good will You returned them as forgiving grace. Help me. I pray, to do the same. For Your own dear name’s sake. Amen.”
No hidden agenda
In today’s study, Selwyn continues his consideration of the last beatitude; and, as I also like Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase (The Message) of this beatitude, it’s worthwhile repeating it: “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom” (Matthew 5:10).
As we travel on life’s journey many unfortunate events may happen and sometimes people may be hostile, angry or just ignore our presence – many of these cases will have nothing to do with us being persecuted because of righteousness – it’s just the ‘fallen’ world as we know it! Do you agree?
As Selwyn says: ‘It is important to note that in the eight beatitude Jesus did not say, “Blessed are those who are persecuted”, but “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness.” Persecution is blessed by God when it comes as a result of righteousness. …
A Christian should be quite different from those who are not believers – those living according to the culture of this world.
The point our Lord wants us to remember is that when we are persecuted because of righteousness, the hostility we experience is really not about us but about Him.‘
The prince of this world (Satan) dislikes anyone who follows Jesus -it’s his nature. His pride can’t stand the fact that he has lost control of someone because they have been saved by the grace of Jesus and they have chosen to follow the one true God. The words of 1 Peter 5:7-9, reminds us that Jesus cares for us and will help us to stand firm; ‘Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers and sisters throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.’
I also like the prayer for today, especially the point about ‘forgiving grace’: “Lord Jesus Christ, shafts of jealousy and persecution were thrown at You yet by Your love and good will You returned them as forgiving grace. Help me. I pray, to do the same. For Your own dear name’s sake. Amen.”