Persecution

2. May 2008 by Bernice Davis.

Good Morning:  

Matthew 5: 10 “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  So far we have studied seven beatitudes; today we finish the last one which deals with persecution.    

Some scholars argue as to whether there are eight or nine beatitudes, because the verse below also continues with the “blessed” formula but the theme of persecution is the same as beatitude eight.   Some of you may have been taught that there are nine, and others eight, whichever way, the last one/s deal with persecution.    

Matthew 5: 11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.   Earlier when we started on this lesson almost thirty days ago, I mentioned to you that order was important.  After you stand up for righteousness for the sake of peace then expect persecution.   

Peacemaking does not always come with popularity.  Becoming a peacemaker often challenges others to analyze their behavior.  This can follow with much persecution.   The Strong’s Concordance definition of persecute is the following:

1. to make to run or flee, put to flight, drive away
2. to run swiftly in order to catch a person or thing, to run after
   1. to press on: figuratively of one who in a race runs swiftly to reach the goal
   2. to pursue (in a hostile manner)
3. in any way whatever to harass, trouble, molest one
   1. to persecute
   2. to be mistreated, suffer persecution on account of something
4. without the idea of hostility, to run after, follow after: someone
5. metaph., to pursue
   1. to seek after eagerly, earnestly endeavor to acquire

Yes, there is a price to pay for doing the right thing, but Jesus clearly teaches that “great will be our reward.”   I enjoyed going through this series of the beatitudes with you.  Tomorrow, we will do a review of all eight and on Monday, we will begin a new topic. 

God Bless Don’t forget to pray and read God’s word daily.

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