blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[matthew 5:10]
this verse is always a great encouragement in the face of persecution, but especially in light of Jesus’ atoning work on easter! deuteronomy says “cursed be anyone who is hanged on a tree,” but Christ became the curse for us, and as we enter into his persecution, we step into the life that he earned! when Jesus tells us that we will be persecuted for following him, he is not asking us to do something he didn’t do first. what a God we serve!
Lord, help us to remember your suffering when we are persecuted, and may the remembrance embolden us and give us endurance to follow in your footsteps. we are your servants; give us the strength to follow your commands!
~ stephen hall