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17th December: Beatitudes (8) -- With Persecutions

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Mt 5:10

It may seem strange that a beatitude about peacemakers should be followed by one about persecution. But God's peace is not peace at any price. He made peace with us and within us at immense cost -- even the price of the life blood of his own Son. Our role as makers of peace will be costly too.

It is important to notice why the Christian will be persecuted. It is for righteousness' sake, and for Christ's sake (v 11). It is possible to be persecuted because we are objectionable or tactless, fanatical or over-zealous, so bringing unnecessary suffering on ourselves. We can be persecuted for our championship of a cause, our campaigning against some social evil. This may not be a bad thing, but it is not what Jesus refers to here. He is speaking of persecution because we are like him: `If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you' (Jn 15:19). The world hated him because he was different. It will hate us for the same reason; `If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you' (Jn 5:19).

Those who show the qualities described in the beatitudes cannot expect to be popular. In fact the lifestyle of the Christian should challenge the pagans round him: no lies, no insults, no `fiddling`, no `pinching', integrity and scrupulous honesty are the hallmarks of his character. Such behaviour may be respected, but it will not be popular. Without a word being spoken, it condemns the man of the world and makes him uneasy and unhappy, resentful and spiteful. Persecution is the inevitable consequence of a righteous life (2 Tim 3:12). If we suffer no persecution we should do well to ask ourselves `why'? (Lk 6:26).

But if we are truly righteous in the sight of God, if we display the characteristics of the new nature described in the beatitudes, God tells us to rejoice, for ours is a reward beyond description. The Kingdom of God, with all its benefits belongs to us. We are part of God's purpose here and now, and we can look forward with expectancy to the future reign of Christ and our eternal inheritance (Mk 10:30). This extends our horizon beyond the bounds of hospital life to eternity, and gives a new perspective to all our relationships. Each quality brings its own blessing. Christ expects each of us to manifest all the qualities. He promises all the blessings.

Jesus ends the beatitudes where he began -- Ours is the Kingdom of God.  (Mt 5:3,10).

Further reading: Mt 5:1-12. 1 Pet 4:12-16.

JABA