If the first seven cut across the grain of our thinking, the last one does so even more. The last beatitude is the necessary outcome of the seven that came before. Matthew 5:10-12 says “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.”
Down through history, many believers have suffered and died for their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Many believers today wonder whether they would be able to stand and suffer for the name of Christ if they were called to. The beatitudes describe the characteristic marks of those who have experienced the saving grace of God in Christ. Poor in spirit, mourning, meek, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers. The blessing that is ascribed in the first one and in the last one is that theirs is the kingdom of heaven. This is like the opening and closing of parentheses. It communicates to us that all of these go together. Though we will suffer some measure of persecution, you and I are not likely today to face the same measure of persecution that a believer in Nigeria might face. But if we can experience the working of God’s grace in meekness and mercy and purity of heart, we can also experience the grace of endurance in persecution when that time comes.
Notice that it says that these are persecuted for righteousness’ sake. Not all of the suffering that takes place in your life is blessed suffering. Sometimes we suffer because we say and do foolish things. It is very easy for us to get wrapped up and passionate about things in this life other than the gospel. This can cause us to bring hardship and suffering down on ourselves. Relationships are splintered when we say hurtful and insulting things to people who disagree with our opinions. Employment is jeopardized when we are not dependable. Families are cast into chaos when a family member makes detrimental decisions.
But you may have to pay a price when you take a stand for Christ. Standing for Jesus Christ will cost you in this life, and it will take courage. Though everything in this life may crumble because of your stand for Jesus Christ, you can rejoice because you are promised the Kingdom of Heaven.
Menu
