Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 KJV
What is the basis of your present day experiences? What lies at the heart of your daily interactions? Let it be clear again that God operates by standards He has made known through His Word. All who will enjoy all that He is and offers must align with the standard. The requirements before today's extract, which is part of the Sermon on the Mount, point to holiness, righteousness, a heart that seeks after God and peace, which are requirements for all who claim to know God. Before yoi claim the blessings, make sure you have aligned with the basics.
Today's extract focuses on persecution, but in the right context. We note that this is the persecution that arises out of my relationship with Christ, not as a result of sin. For all who will follow, know this: persecution will come. It is certain that there will be a test of what you claim to hold on to. The world today is totally opposed to the Word of God, and there are bound to be conflicts between people who live by these 2 parallel standards. Both cannot see eye to eye on anything, so as soon as a child of God begins to feel too comfortable around the world, that child of God should know that trouble is ahead.
Your stand for Christ will be tested. You have to know the power and the resources that are available for you in Christ. He warns ahead of time about what is coming, and if I have been given advance notice of what is ahead, it means that the One who warns has it all under control. The reward for enduring the experience is this: the kingdom of heaven. That must be the ultimate desire and aspiration for all of us. Of what use are the treasures of the world if they cannot secure eternal life with Christ? Of what use is chasing after the world's treasures, if we will still leave them all when the owner of life calls for it?
Today's experiences call for sober reflection and a review of what is truly important. The limits of the world's knowledge and resources have been made obvious. In the place where science reigned, prayers are now becoming a daily occurrence. Men have reached their wits end, because nothing now makes sense. It is a call to once again reexamine our values and get them straight. Do you belong to the group of disciples addressed here; people who have signed over their lives to God, who know that no matter the experiences, hope and eternal life have already been secured for them? Or are you still holding on to the false tokens the world holds out? These experiences are just the preparation; eternity calls. Would you listen? Will you surrender to Jesus? His time of favour is here.
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