Pastor's Pen
May/June 2003

Mat 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The splendor of heaven is reserved for those who suffer to be righteous or to do that which is right. There have always been those who have attacked the people of good character. Like instruments of cruelty, they try to malign or degrade the righteous. Notwithstanding, these types of implements are necessary in order to perfect the "vessels of honor."

The wicked Hamon had a personal vengeance planned against the righteous Mordecai. Why? Because Mordecai refused to bow to him! When people refuse to bow (or honor) the wicked; or when people refuse to yield to wickedness, it incites the unrighteous.

In this generation in which we live, just to be a good parent will bring persecution from the world. We will be criticized or labeled – even threatened or intimidated by authorities. The tragedy is that often some of the worst persecution comes from within one’s own home: Pressure from the children, or pressures from the spouse or relatives. Because you don’t allow your children to partake of the vanities (the delusive delights) of the world, many people would say that you are warped and need to see a psychiatrist.

Every Christian in his quest for sainthood must experience trials of persecution for standing for truth and righteousness. Sometimes churches are persecuted because "the standard is too high." (For example, divorce/remarriage.) It is imperative that we show a good spirit when people attack us – or nothing is accomplished.

(1 Pet 3:14) But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled. The kingdom of heaven awaits for you!

The ninth beatitude – persecuted for "My sake"

Mat 5:11-12 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. V.12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Being persecuted for "My sake" is distinctly different from being persecuted for righteousness sake. One could actually be persecuted by other Christians for righteousness sake, but generally Christians come together when there is a persecution for being a Christian (for the name of Christ).

Christians in America have not had to experience any real persecution for being a Christian. However, there are nations where God’s people really do suffer to bear the name of Christ, or suffer for the cause of Christ.

The book of Acts gives us a good picture of what it means to suffer for the cause of Christ: "And when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name." (Acts 5:40-41)

They rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer. Now here is an example of real religion. The early church in Jerusalem was denied jobs, they had their goods confiscated, they were shamed, and they were excommunicated from society to the degree that they could not buy or sell! (For Jesus sake!)

As this age concludes, all nations will be tested on this particular beatitude. May I also say that the Lord prepares His saints for this kind of persecution. Daniel and his young friends made some resolutions to stand for truth. I think this is where it begins: taking a stand amongst one’s peers, taking a stand at school, etc. Christ said: "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."

Let us observe what Peter said in 1 Pet 1:11: "Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow." When God’s prophets were misused, they were actually insulting the Spirit of Christ that was in those prophets!

The walk in the Spirit prepares God’s people for their time of suffering. In fact, having the other beatitudes worked out in our lives paves the way for this final one. There was a certain Bible school where one of the students was always crying out in the prayer meetings, "Make me a martyr!" One evening, one of the fellow students graciously asked this young man if he would take the pots and pans after supper. (The other student had a special event he needed to attend.) "Not I!" protested the martyr!

There is great reward for those suffer for Jesus sake!

• Poor in spirit – They do not think more highly of themselves than they should. They are willing to accept any assignment that the Lord gives.
• Those who mourn – They are saddened by the things that grieve their Lord. They are willing to weep for the cause of Christ.
• The meek – They are willing to submit to people or circumstances in order to fulfill the Lord’s purposes for their lives.
• Hunger and thirst for righteousness – They always feel they need more of the Lord, more of His truth – to be more like Him.
• The merciful – These are the ones who exercise compassion at every opportunity.
• The pure in heart – They meditate upon the things that are pure and they grace their lips with such thoughts.
• The peacemaker – They are willing to be the buffer zone between two opposing parties. They are willing to take the flak, if it might bring conciliation.
• Persecuted for righteousness – They are willing to do what is right in spite of the consequences!
• Persecuted for His sake – They are willing to suffer for Jesus sake – for His purposes!

As these attributes are worked out in our lives, not only are there great eternal dividends, but the Lord also gives great happiness and good success in this life!