The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations - Part 8

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
                             Matthew 5:10 (KJV)
 
Hi friends,

     How are you today?  I hope you have been enjoying The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations.  I look at the Beatitudes as words of encouragement and love spoken by Jesus himself. 

     There is some disagreement as to the number of beatitudes.  Some people believe that there are eight beatitudes and some feel that there are nine beatitudes.  There are also some who believe that the Beatitudes end at Matthew 5:10 and others who believe that the Beatitudes end with Matthew 5:12. 

     This may cause some confusion in your mind.  However, before it does, remember the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 14:33 (KJV), “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”  Instead of feeling confused, pray for understanding. Focus on the message of Jesus, not the terminology of people.

     So, let’s look at Matthew 5:10.  The first part of the verse says, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake…”.  Persecution can take many forms.  It can come in many forms such as in gossip, chiding, outcast, ridicule, put downs, harassment, discrimination, abuse, neglect, or death.

     Everyone has probably experienced persecution in one form or another at some point in his or her life.  I have experienced a number of these forms of persecution.  You probably have as well.

     So, if you are persecuted, is it always for righteousness’ sake?  No.  I wouldn’t say so.  People are gossiped against, chided, discriminated against, abused, and put to death for bad ways as well.  For example, just as in the Bible, criminals of today get put to death as well as followers of Jesus. 

     Jesus wouldn’t have specified “for righteousness’ sake” if people were only persecuted “for righteousness’ sake”.  People are persecuted for things doing bad things as well, such as following worldly ways, evilness, and criminal behavior.   

     As with the other beatitudes, the encouragement comes in the second part of the verse, “for theirs will be the kingdom of heaven”.  I find it interesting that this beatitude has the same encouragement as the first beatitude and the others are different.  What about you? 

     For those of you who have read “The Beatitudes Series – Part 1”, you may remember that I wasn’t sure about the meaning of “for theirs will be the kingdom of heaven”.  I guess I am still not completely sure.  However, with more studying and more prayer, I believe that I do have a better understanding. 

    As Christians who follow Jesus and do God’s will, we are called “brothers” or “sisters” to Jesus (such as in Matthew 12:50).  Matthew 12:50 (KJV) says, “For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.”  We are also called co-heirs (or joint-heirs) with Christ (as in Romans 8:17).  Romans 8:17 (KJV) says, “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”  Therefore, since the kingdom of heaven is God’s and Jesus will reign, we will be a part of it, instead of being cast out and left in Satan’s kingdom.  We will be close to God and part of His family, not part of Satan’s group. 

     So, it sounds to me that Jesus is saying in Matthew 5:10, that we are not to be discouraged if we are mistreated for the sake of standing up for what is right and following God’s will for us, because no matter how badly we are treated by the world, we will be loved and rewarded with being part of His family now and forever.  This sounds like wonderful consolation and encouragement for withstanding some persecution in the spec of lifespan we may have on earth.  What do you think?
 
Heavenly Father,
     Thank you for the encouragement found in all the beatitudes and in Matthew 5:10 specifically.  Thank you for giving us something to remember and to look forward to when we are persecuted for doing your will.  Help us to persevere during all hardship we receive as a result of doing your will and not to give in to the evil that surrounds us during these difficult times.  Help us to keep our eyes on you and be encouraged with our reward.  I ask you this through your Son, Jesus.  Amen.
 
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Reflective questions for Matthew 5:10 (KJV):
*What does Matthew 5:10 mean to me?
*What does it mean to be persecuted?
*What does it mean to be persecuted for righteousness’ sake?
*Have I ever been persecuted?
*Have I ever been persecuted for righteousness’ sake?
*How did it feel to be persecuted, especially for righteousness’ sake?
*What does “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” mean?
*How can I better live according to the words in Matthew 5:10?

Note: 
If you haven't already read the other posts in The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations, you may want to read them now.
*The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations - Part 1
*The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations - Part 2
*The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations - Part 3
*The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations - Part 4
*The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations - Part 5
*The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations - Part 6
*The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations - Part 7

Now, it is your turn.
     Thank you for being here.  I appreciate it.  I care about you and look forward to knowing your thoughts and feelings about Matthew 5:10, The Beatitudes Series by DUO Inspirations, the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations, or any faith topic.  Please, feel free to comment below or to contact me. 
     It is my hope, through the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations, to help spread God's Word and to encourage others to read the Bible for themselves, as well as to offer food for thought and better understanding of scriptures.  If you find value in the Faith Blog by DUO Inspirations, please share with your friends, family, and church group, so they can find value as well.  Let's spread God's Word together.  Thank you.  (And, if we are persecuted, we will be in good company for Jesus was persecuted as well.)
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