”10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
Matthew 5:10-12
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
I’m free, but I am also under attack by the enemy.
In today’s scripture, the apostle Matthew shared powerful words that serve as a beacon of hope for those who find ourselves persecuted by evil.
Matthew’s powerful words came from Jesus, during the Sermon on the Mount and this remind us that persecution is not just a distant threat but an inevitable reality for those who walk in His truth. Yet, the promise here is not despair but a profound, unshakeable hope: freedom through faith, even in the face of persecution.
Persecution takes many forms. It could be the subtle isolation in our workplaces for choosing integrity over compromise or the harsh criticisms we face from those who reject our faith. Jesus, in Matthew 5:10-12, didn’t shy away from the truth; He acknowledged that persecution is real and challenging. But He also offered a reminder: there is a unique blessing reserved for those who endure it because of righteousness.
The idea of being “blessed” while facing persecution seems paradoxical. How can we find joy when others insult or oppose us simply for following Christ? The answer lies in the perspective Jesus offers: “Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.” The joy He speaks of transcends the temporary pains and struggles of this life. It’s rooted in the knowledge that we are walking in the footsteps of countless faithful men and women before us. Prophets like Daniel, who faced lions for his unwavering faith, or Elijah, who stood alone against false prophets, knew the cost of standing firm for God.
But there is freedom to be found in this reality. Persecution can feel suffocating, like a weight pressing down on us, testing our faith and resolve. However, Jesus’ words remind us that true freedom is not determined by the absence of external pressure but by the presence of unwavering hope and purpose within us. When we are secure in our identity as children of God, when we know that we are seen, loved, and valued by Him, no amount of worldly opposition can strip us of that freedom.
Being free from persecutors doesn’t mean they will stop their actions or that opposition will magically vanish. Rather, it means that their attempts to harm us or diminish our faith ultimately hold no power over our souls. As Paul wrote in Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” When we stand rooted in that truth, we discover that freedom is not conditional but anchored in our relationship with Christ.
When faced with persecution, how do we respond? Jesus tells us to “rejoice and be glad.” This response is not natural; it defies our human instincts, which call for retaliation or retreat. But rejoicing in the face of persecution is a declaration of trust in God’s promises. It’s an act of defiance against fear, proclaiming that we are not defeated by the world’s judgments but lifted by God’s affirmation.
How, then, can we cultivate this response? Start by reminding yourself of the promise Jesus made: “great is your reward in heaven.” This life, with its trials and triumphs, is temporary. Keeping our eyes fixed on the eternal perspective helps us see that every moment of suffering for Christ is an investment in the heavenly kingdom.
Furthermore, take comfort in the shared experience of the faithful. You are not alone; your story is part of a greater narrative that spans generations. The same God who delivered His people in the past is with you now. He is your strength, shield, and refuge.
Finally, let us not forget that our response to persecution is a powerful testimony. When others see us enduring trials with joy and peace, they witness the transformative power of Christ in us. It might even plant seeds of curiosity and faith in the hearts of those who oppose us.
So, if you are experiencing persecution today, take heart. Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:10-12 and the freedom they bring. You are blessed, not because of the pain but because of the promise. Stand firm, knowing that your reward is secure, and that no matter what the world may throw at you, you are free—free to love, to rejoice, and to hope, even in the midst of adversity.
To God be all the glory, now and forever.
Were you able to glean and grow from this message so God can be further glorified and His Kingdom magnified? If so, I would love to hear from you. Follow this link to get in touch… Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your presence in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom bestowed upon King David,
And we ask you Lord to help us find joy in your perfect plan.
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through your Word, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by the truth as we spread the good news to one and all,
And lead the lost to You.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us,
To bless our lives and fill us with hope.
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and our place with you in Heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done, here on Earth and through the vast Universe,
May our hearts be filled with your everlasting love and grace.
Praises to You God, Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
