Blessed are those who are persecuted. Matthew chapter 5 verses 10 through 12. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

To the world, persecution is a curse to be avoided, but to the child of God it is a badge of honour, a sign that he is walking in the footsteps of his Saviour. In this final beatitude, Jesus lifts the eyes of his disciples above the hatred of men to the eternal blessings which await them.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, that is, those who are persecuted for Christ's sake, for standing for truth, for living in holiness, for proclaiming the gospel, and for refusing to bow to the world's idols. This beatitude is a necessary conclusion to the others. the one who is poor in spirit, who mourns over sin, who hungers for righteousness and strives to bring peace with God, will inevitably meet with persecution.

Why? Because the world hates Christ, and if we are conformed to his image, then we will be treated as he was. To live righteously in an unrighteous world is to shine a light that exposes the darkness of sin, and men love darkness instead of light because their deeds are evil. Yet what unspeakable comfort Jesus offers, theirs is the kingdom of heaven. The very persecution that casts us out from the world is the evidence that we belong to the kingdom of God, and even more, great is your reward in heaven.

The scoffing of puny men cannot rob us of the eternal glory that awaits. Every insult born for Christ, every slander endured for righteousness, will be richly rewarded with joy beyond imagining. The Lord does not call His people to endure persecution in their own strength. He supplies sufficient grace and promises that we are never alone. He stands with His persecuted saints just as He stood with the prophets of old. Though reviled on earth, they are honoured in heaven,

Lord Jesus, thank you for this blessed promise. When I am hated for your name, help me to remember that I am walking where you walked. Give me courage, humility and steadfast faith. Let me never be ashamed to suffer for righteousness for your sake. And fix my eyes on that heavenly reward where all tears will be wiped away and I shall see you face to face in eternal glory. Amen.

Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2 Timothy 3.12