Persecution

Hi ladies!!

We have reached our final beatitude this week in Matthew 5:10 which says, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.” What exactly is persecution? The dictionary definition is “a program or campaign to exterminate, drive away or subjugate people based on their membership in a religious, ethnic, social or racial group.” I also looked up the word “subjugate” for a definition, and it means, “to bring under complete control or subjection; conquer; master; to make submissive or subservient; to enslave.”

I think in recent days, the word persecution is used pretty liberally. People believe that any type of criticism is persecution. People believe persecution happens when someone doesn’t like or agree with an opinion. But real persecution involves action that hurts a person or people group. Hitler wanted to exterminate the Jews, that was persecution. The KKK persecuted African Americans and other people groups. Persecution is usually carried out against a particular group of people because of the racial or ethnic group they were born into as well as people groups who choose to belong to a specific religious or social group. Persecution can range from not allowing certain people to live in specific neighborhoods or obtaining a job and it can go so far as to physically injure or kill that person. And there is also the persecution that causes mental anguish and fear thru mockery, insults, or threats.

True persecution happens to people for who they are but often we hear someone complaining about persecution that has nothing to do with who they are. Often the persecution they complain about is because they are not a very nice person. If I walk around treating others badly, I shouldn’t think I’m being persecuted, people just don’t like me because I’m a jerk. If I can’t get along with anyone in every place I live or work, I shouldn’t wonder why it’s hard to find a job or people aren’t all that excited that I’m moving in next door. I’m not saying people don’t get persecuted today because they do. But we can’t call every remark made about us to be persecution. Persecution is ongoing, it doesn’t allow you to just go about life as usual.

In Scripture, Jesus was persecuted. All of his apostles were persecuted, 11 martyred and 1 exiled. Their persecution came because of religious differences. And this happens in the world today, not so much in America as in other countries, but there have been instances of harsh persecution here in the States. We’ve all heard about gunmen going into churches and opening fire and who can forget the disgusting display by Westboro Baptist Church, what kind of church promotes that much hatred? Some type of persecution is inevitable for believers today whether it be physical violence, imprisonment, verbal abuse or social exclusion. Jesus warned us that this would happen. Believers will be hated by the world.

2 Timothy 3:12 tells us, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” True faith often conflicts with worldly values. We shouldn’t be surprised by this reaction; we should actually be comforted by it. If we’re having hardships because of our commitment to Jesus, then we must be somewhere on the right path.

John 15:18-20 states, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember, the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.” The world is hostile to God and the hatred we endure is not personal, it’s actually directed at Jesus thru us. Because Jesus chose believers out of the world, our very nature is different to that of the world. If Jesus faced opposition, how can we not expect the same?

In conclusion, when we look at this beatitude, we have to remember that this persecution is “for the sake of righteousness” not because we like to stand on everyone’s last nerve. It’s because we are in alignment with God’s will instead of the world’s standards. There is a reward for this type of persecution and that reward is Heaven. What we suffer on this earth is temporary, but Heaven is an inheritance that is eternal. We should actually be comforted by the realization that we are in good company with the apostles and the prophets who were treated similarly.

And remember that this Sunday commemorates the resurrection of Jesus, so let’s take the time to honor the persecution he endured for our sakes. If you don’t have a regular church home, please join us at the little church on the hill at 7:30 am sunrise service or at our regular 10:30 am service, it’s worth the drive!

Lori Hug