The Daily Word

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The last of the 8 Beatitudes is the one Jesus goes on to expand in subsequent verses and whilst all the others are commendations for positive virtues, the last one in some respects is what we as Christians can expect by demonstrating those virtues, and it isn’t praise and it isn’t honour! “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”.

If we stand out and stand up for righteousness, which only comes through our Lord Jesus Christ, this verse says we can expect persecution in one form or another. In our own country, that is likely to be only mockery or a verbal insult. But it is estimated that nearly 5000 Christians were killed last year in the world just for being Christians!

We are seeing extremism entering more into national politics and even into everyday life and I believe it is only a matter of time before we ourselves as Christians will have to endure more extreme persecution. So our faith needs to be strong and that can only be so with an even closer walk with our Saviour. Our reward for faithfulness under persecution is not just a place in the kingdom of heaven but a commendation from our Saviour, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”!

Article written by Brian Preston, Elder @SFGH Church 



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