“Blessed [comforted by inner peace and God’s love] are those who are persecuted for doing that which is morally right, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [both now and forever].
Matthew 5:10 AMP
The Context and Focus:
For the interactions we have already considered, you will observe that they are mainly personal. The former lessons are attributes you have some measure of control over. You can decide to pursue holiness, or you can ask God for grace to hunger and thirst after Him, and you can also depend on Him to show mercy to other people. However, the one area you cannot really control is other people's reactions to the decisions you have made. I can make a decison to live holy, but I do not have power over how other people respond to or receive my decision. I note however, that as long as I do what is right in the sight of God, there will always be opposition and resistance. It is no use praying against such experiences, because Truth, no matter how minute, will always have enemies. It must be emphasized that the focus is on doing what is right in the sight of God, not what men consider right. The impact of sin has made that distinction very important, because that which may be acceptable to God is an abomination in the sight of God.
The Message:
When I have sorted out that which aligns with the will of God, and I know it is His will and timing for it to be done, I must make up my mind to pursue it, no matter what it will cost me. God has left his own children on earth as witnesses to what is possible when God is in charge of a life. I consider the life of men and women like Job, Daniel, the three Hebrew men, Paul, John the Beloved, Mary the mother of Jesus, Deborah and others, whose personal lives had plenty of pressure, but who stood on the side of God, holding on to the truths of His Word. They were persecuted, and some were even killed because of their stand, but we read of them today, learning about the foundations of their faith, the expressions of their firm commitment to the things of God, and their eternal reward. Jesus, our perfect example, also submitted to the cross, as painful as he knew it would be. Because of his sacrifice, I have hope of earthly impact and eternal life with God. Is the reward of eternal life with God not worth the pressure that the world may give, which is always for a season?
The Conclusion:
The verse above makes it clear what I stand to gain, both down here, and with God in eternity. There is an inner peace that the world can never understand, limit or explain, because it does not have it, and it cannot give it. The work of the Holy Spirit as Comforter is the only way to get it. Whilst men are giving up or giving in, the one with the Holy Spirit is able to keep going, enduring whatever comes, because there is a confidence in the ability of God to keep his promises. The kingdom of heaven becomes a reality both down here on earth, as well as forever. If I am able to endure whatever comes my way, as a result of my faith in Christ, I also take hold of that which has been promised to all who endure to the end. Nothing down here can be adequate compensation for missing eternity with God. This present earth has been promised to unquenchable fire, and a new earth has been promised. Make every effort to make heaven; it would be worth all the pain and discomfort endured on earth. God is faithful and dependable, and can be trusted to keep his word. God's time of favour is here.
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