Matthew 5:10 AMPC
[10] Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous (in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!
The sermon on the mountain continues, and the focus today is on those who face tough times as a result of their decision to follow Christ. It has to be clear that at no time did Jesus promise a life free of trials, tough times or tribulation. Following Jesus means that you are taking a decision not to follow the world and all it represents. This goes against everything the human nature is comfortable with; this is why the decision to follow Christ is not one that the human nature can fully explain. That decision opens you up to all sorts of attacks, even from family and friends. They cannot comprehend how you would take an unpopular position.
However, the understanding you have of who Christ is will be the anchor that keeps you stable and focused. No matter what comes your way, you know the reason why it happens is because of your faith in Christ. He has also given us ample warning and advance notice of what is coming. Be sure that the devil will not take your new allegiance lightly; he will do all he can to distract, deceive and destabilise; after all, his mission is to steal, to kill and to destroy, and he has been in this business since the account of creation. Hs knows what he has lost forever, and he will do all he can to get as many people as possible to his side. You cannot give the devil that much control.
For all who are born again, there is a new life birthed in us, sustained by the presence of God in us, and a seal of eternal redemption. Whilst we wait for the eternal, we have to live in the present, and prepare for the eternal. God in His wisdom knows how best to prepare us for what is coming. He is the wise pharmacist, who prescribes the experiences and encounters the way He sees best, in the measures that are appropriate, and in the seasons that will work out His glory. He will not let us be tempted beyond what we can bear, and if He allows it, be sure that He has made a way of escape for us. What other way can the love of God be explained or applied?
It is not a wonder, then, that the verse above calls such people who experience God this way as blessed. They enjoy His favour, as a Father gives liberally to His children, and they find satisfaction in Him. They can endure pain and distress, because the focus is not just on the earthly, but the eternal. They may suffer persecution, but they know it is only for a season, and the blessings that come from the experiences make the experiences worth it. At the end of it all is eternal life, the crowning glory of a life lived in total surrender to God. If you go with God, there will be no regrets. Make sure Christ is in charge; the end will be worth it. God's time of favour is here.
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