God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. Matthew 5:10-12
We're pretty safe here in the United States so I used to think that I never experienced persecution...and hopefully never would. But recently I learned that no matter where they live in the world, if my brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ are persecuted, I am, too. I am part of that Body. There are people suffering and dying today around the world for their belief in Christ. How can they be happy about loosing everything?
Are the barbs on this cactus persecuting or persecuted?
Like Paul said...If we live, it's to honor the Lord. And if we die, it's to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. Romans 14:8
From the Old Testament we find an example of the Israelites experiencing persecution--but not being defeated.
- From my earliest youth my enemies have persecuted me, but they have never defeated me. Psalm 129:2
The Kingdom of God that is promised to the persecuted will last forever--not just in the future...it is now for all believers.
- Then the sovereignty, power, and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be given to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will last forever, and all rulers will serve and obey him. Daniel 7:27
But the LORD reigns forever, executing judgment from his throne. He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness. The LORD is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, do not abandon those who search for you. Psalm 9:7-10
Prayer ~ Lord God, You have promised that You will never leave us or forsake us--that includes our persecuted brothers and sisters. Comfort and strengthen them as they face turbulent times...and even death. Thank you for Your promise to reward them...in heaven...as they trust in You now. They are blessed.
Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 30-31
Follow "Banquet With The King" on Facebook.
© 2018 Text and photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted
Biblical search from Blue Letter Bible - http://v3.blueletterbible.org/search.cfm. www.blueletterbible.org/daily reading.
No comments:
Post a Comment