Reward

Matthew 5:10

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:12

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Really!!!!!!!!!  How can this even be?  Who in this world likes to be persecuted?  Who rejoices and is glad when their heart aches because of others dagers being inserted?  Do we believe that we will have a reward in heaven?

I love how Matthew 5:9-12 is stated in the Message version….

⁹ “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.  ¹⁰ “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom. ^11-12 “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

So the next time you are being persecuted……….REJOICE!

Lord this is a hard one!  But I’m actually beginning to “get it”.  Thank You for hanging in there with me.  Lord I pray for my family and friends.  I pray they will turn to You when they feel everyone else is against them.  Amen!