Persecuted (Part 3)

By Clifton Angel

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake; for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10). We have considered the reasons and the records. Let us now consider the rewards.     Blessed. This is the focus of this series of studies. When the majority of the world—even those who think themselves religious—refers to being blessed, they hardly mean they are suffering persecution for doing what is right in the eyes of God. Rather, they often are thinking about material wealth, family status, or physical wellness. While God deserves the glory for every good and perfect gift (cf. James 1:17), these common references are not the height of blessedness. Jesus has shown us that the height of blessedness is found in poverty of spirit, mourning of sin, meekness, righteousness, mercy, purity, spiritual peace, and persecution for the cause of Christ.     The kingdom of Heaven. On the surface, our minds immediately think of the place called Heaven. Further investigation reveals this kingdom to be Jesus’ church (Matthew 16:16–19; Mark 9:1; Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; 2:1ff; cf. Isaiah 2:2–3; Colossians 1:13). Jesus’ church is the product of Heaven and its final destination is in Heaven (John 14:1–3; 1 Corinthians 15:24; Revelation 21). Since the establishment of the new covenant, the sinner’s only opportunity to enter into Heaven is to first be in Jesus’ church (cf. Acts 2:38, 47; Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3–4; Ephesians 5:23).      Heaven. The word has become synonymous for supreme bliss; for, that is the image that is painted for us in the Scriptures. Among the most beautiful and comforting passages of Scripture is Revelation 21:4, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” However, as we grow in our relationship with God and our exhibition of characteristics which make for supreme blessedness, Revelation 21:3 may become the most beautiful and comforting: “And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God him-self shall be with them, and be their God.”     “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” (Matt 5:10–12)    - Clifton Angel preaches for the Coldwater Church of Christ in Coldwater, MS. He may be contacted through that congregation's website: http://www.coldwatercofc.com/