Be sure when you are persecuted you suffer for the right reason
Scripture reading: 1 Peter 4:12-19. Text: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10.
With this message we came to the end of the sermon series on the beatitudes. What kind of grand finale would we expect? Do we read: “If you practice what you just heard, you will be VICTORIOUS?” No. Instead of triumph, Jesus speaks of persecution. We may think that the divine teaching and the human logic are not in harmony, yet something precious is hidden in this last beatitude!
“‘BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO ARE PERSECUTED …'”
In the previous seven beatitudes, our Lord deals with those spiritual qualities which are found within us. In this last one, he speaks of circumstances that are created by others and to which we are subjected.
The best way to approach this beatitude is with sincere soul-searching. What is so widespread and common in our human nature? To CONQUER, TRIUMPH and RULE! Please remember what we previously learned about peace. “Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God.”
The original Greek word does not mean only to PERSECUTE but also to follow, pursue, chase, run after, strive for, etc. This word is used in the Bible in such cases as when somebody has not been caught yet but who is being chased or harassed, for instance when Saul (Apostle Paul) persecuted Jesus, Acts of Apostles 22:7-8.
In this beatitude, Christ does not condone or approve of causing suffering or mistreatment. He only emphasizes the importance of righteousness for which’s sake one should tolerate even harassment. Please remember the fourth beatitude: “‘Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.'” Matthew 5:6.
THE TRUTH WILL SHINE EVEN BRIGHTER IF WE KNOW WELL WHAT IS WRONG, FALSE OR UNTRUE.
Nobody should assume that he/she can harass, irritate, bother or intimidate others because the other people will be blessed if they are persecuted.
We shall be careful not to confuse PROSECUTION with PERSECUTION. If somebody violated the law and has to see the legal consequences of it, it does not mean that he/she is persecuted for righteousness’ sake.
When a person wishes to apply this beatitude to his/her own favor, let it be remembered when it is not applicable, for instance:
n When one thinks that he/she is persecuted unjustly but he/she is alone in his/her thinking and others do not agree that the person is innocently being persecuted.
n When one fights for the right cause in the wrong way.
n When one accepts the blame rather than works diligently and lives faithfully.
n When one deliberately seeks persecution to become a self-made martyr.
It is spelled out specifically WHY somebody may be persecuted, “because of righteousness,” but it is not mentioned HOW it shall take place and by whom.
A few Bible quotations will underline the meaning of this beatitude:
n “‘Remember the words I spoke to you: “No servant is greater than his master.” If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.'” These are Jesus’ word to his disciples from John 15:20. See also John 16:33.
n “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,” 2 Timothy 3:12.
n “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.” Acts of Apostles 5:41.
THE PROMISE IS THE SAME AS IN THE FIRST BEATITUDE: THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.
To belong to God’s kingdom is not only privilege but it also carries obligation. As for the child, the greatest comfort is to be close to his/her loving and providing parents. Likewise for us the greatest gift is to know that we are not our own but we belong to God and we are close to him. Read 1 Peter 1:17-19.
May these blessed sayings pronounced by Jesus close and crown this series:
n “‘Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.'” John 20:29/c.
n “‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.'” Luke 11:28/b.
n “‘Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.'” Matthew 11:6.
The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Ligonier.