Warriors Arise: October 18, 2023
Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Oxymoron: a figure of speech in which apparent contradictory terms appear in conjunction.
When reading verses ten through twelve my thoughts shouted, "Well, isn't that quite the oxymoron!" Who would think of rejoicing, and I certainly wouldn't be exceedingly glad, for whatever the reward is in heaven, before, during or after my persecution. "Nope, I'm good. Heaven is going to be wonderful as it is. I do not need to earn anymore rewards. I'll let those who want to stack up their rewards have this one."
I have no idea what real persecution would be like, how it would torment my thoughts, challenge my faith in God, or cause me to turn on friends or family just to see myself get out with no pain. It isn't that I haven't had some push-back from sharing my faith or living out loud in my relationship with the Lord. I have receive judgements and criticism just like most of you. It has caused strain in some family relations and friendships.
I don't want to put myself in the line of fire for the persecution; however, I do not want to cower in the corner either. Those who are called to places around the world where Christians are persecuted do not hesitate because they know that is exactly what they are called to do. They have moments of thinking about the persecution but the risk is worth it if one person comes to know Jesus.
I want to be bold and courageous in sharing my faith even if I get a little kickback. Nobody sticks their neck out for the reward. They know the persecution is going to happen, but just like Jesus knew the pain of the cross was coming, He looked through the cross and saw the people. He saw you and I. He knew the persecution was worth it.
People who go share the Gospel in places where they will be persecuted, punished severely, even with the possibility of death, do so because they see the people. They carry the desire to see that everyone has to opportunity to know Jesus and to receive Him as their Lord and Savior. They are strengthened by the Lord. They are empowered to pursuer the lost sheep so all can know Jesus Christ.
The reward is nice, but they don't do it for the reward, they do it for the people. It is wonderful they have God's blessing upon their life. This blessing I believe is strength that when they are faced with persecution, they have the courage to continue to speak God's truth and the love of Christ. They are blessed and there will be a reward for them.
Father, I ask for You to come. I believe there are many more who are called around the world to share Your word, to give a testament of the Jesus Christ. I pray they would be empowered by Your blessing. I pray they would receive Your heart to give them courage to go into the world they are to tell of Your kingdom. I am open for You to speak to nme. If I am to go, give me a direct word. If I am to stay then give me people to share of Jesus Christ. Give me boldness, courage and love to persevere through the persecution and share Your love in Jesus' name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
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