This is the seventh and final sermon in our series "The Way To Happiness".
Everyone wants to be happy, and the New Testament is our greatest authority on the subject. Jesus Christ gives us the key that will unlock the door to happiness in the eight Beatitudes.
Matthew 5:3-12 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
The word translated “blessed” is sometimes translated “happy.”
In this sermon, the seventh in our series, we are going to talk about the happiness that comes from being persecuted.
(Matt. 5:10–12 NIV) “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you”
We are made to love and to be loved. We like to be liked. Friendship is the atmosphere in which we breathe most freely. To be ridiculed as a child is a heartbreaking experience, but the pain doesn't get better when we become an adult. Persecution in the form of harassment and unfair accusations may even destroy us emotionally. Of all the injuries that can be afflicted on a human being, persecution may be the closest thing to making life hell on earth. Yet Jesus said that those who are persecuted for righteousness will be blessed.
This is also probably the most difficult of the Beatitudes to believe. The reason for this difficulty is that persecution seems to be the opposite of happiness or joy. This is a paradox that needs an explanation.
The audio recording of the sermon is at the YouTube link at the end of the sermon.
Everyone wants to be happy, and the New Testament is our greatest authority on the subject. Jesus Christ gives us the key that will unlock the door to happiness in the eight Beatitudes.
Matthew 5:3-12 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
The word translated “blessed” is sometimes translated “happy.”
In this sermon, the seventh in our series, we are going to talk about the happiness that comes from being persecuted.
(Matt. 5:10–12 NIV) “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you”
We are made to love and to be loved. We like to be liked. Friendship is the atmosphere in which we breathe most freely. To be ridiculed as a child is a heartbreaking experience, but the pain doesn't get better when we become an adult. Persecution in the form of harassment and unfair accusations may even destroy us emotionally. Of all the injuries that can be afflicted on a human being, persecution may be the closest thing to making life hell on earth. Yet Jesus said that those who are persecuted for righteousness will be blessed.
This is also probably the most difficult of the Beatitudes to believe. The reason for this difficulty is that persecution seems to be the opposite of happiness or joy. This is a paradox that needs an explanation.
The audio recording of the sermon is at the YouTube link at the end of the sermon.
Scripture Reading:
Matthew 5:1-12 NIV Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Text:
(Matt. 5:10–12 NIV) “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you”
Introduction
We are made to love and to be loved. We like to be liked. Friendship is the atmosphere in which we breathe most freely. To be ridiculed as a child is a heartbreaking experience, but the pain doesn't get better when we become an adult. Persecution in the form of harassment and unfair accusations may even destroy us emotionally. Of all the injuries that can be afflicted on a human being, persecution may be the closest thing to making life hell on earth.
Having said that this makes Jesus' last Beatitude almost absurd or self-contradictory.
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
This is also probably the most difficult of the Beatitudes to believe. The reason for this difficulty is that persecution seems to be the opposite of happiness or joy and as we've said this entire series Beatitude means blessed or extreme happiness. Plus this seems like a strange statement to come from the lips of such a compassionate person like Jesus our Savior.
It’s hard to understand our Lord when he congratulated those who were persecuted and encouraged them to rejoice in their persecution?
This is a paradox that needs an explanation. I’m going to try and do that today.
- A paradox to be explained.
“Blessed [happy] are those who are persecuted.” It seems incredible that our Lord would say something so contradictory, It may even be the most confusing thing that he ever said.
A. It is a paradox that a person can be “happy” when suffering.
How can anyone be happy when being persecuted or lied about?
We all enjoy the sense of security that comes from occasional words of approval, but persecution destroys everything that brings enjoyment and security.
But let me caution you about coming to the conclusion that everytime that we are persecuted that we are suffering for righteousness’ sake. Quite often we suffer for something we have done wrong. When a newly enlisted soldier discovers that he is out of step with the rest of his troop, his first action should be to check himself to see if he is the one in error. So one of the values of persecution is that it causes us to look at ourselves in order to understand why others do not like us. Perhaps we should ask ourselves whether we measure up to the other beatitudes.
Are we humble?
Matthew 5:3 ESV "Blessed are the poor in spirit (or humble), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Are we sorrowful for our sinfulness
Matthew 5:4 ESV "Blessed are those who mourn (or who are sorrowful), for they shall be comforted.
Do we have the self-control to not retaliate when hurt?
Matthew 5:5 ESV "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Do we have an extreme desire for righteousness?
Matthew 5:6 ESV "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Do we extend mercy to others in all circumstances?
Matthew 5:7 ESV "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Are our hearts pure?
Matthew 5:8 ESV "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Persecution gives us an opportunity to demonstrate our loyalty to Christ. Many of us deny him by our silence when we have a chance to stand up and be counted. We are afraid that open loyalty to Jesus may bring persecution. To stand faithfully by our Savior’s side does bring persecution, but it also brings happiness.
B. It is a paradox that a person can be persecuted for doing good.
The Living Bible says, “Happy are those who are persecuted because they are good” (Matt. 5:10), and the Good News translation reads, “Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires” (GNT).
Sometimes a person is persecuted for doing good because doing good upsets others. No one embodied the Beatitudes more perfectly than Jesus Christ himself. Yet he was the most hated. Even though he advised his disciples against needlessly antagonizing their enemies, their Christlike goodness upset others.
The church and individual Christians who dare to stand by the principles of Christ must be prepared for persecution. Whenever the church stops being the moral conscience of its community, it also ceases to be the yeast in the bread,
Matthew 13:33 NIV He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.”
We the church also stop being the salt of the earth, and the light set on the hill, which Jesus says that those who are persecuted for righteousness are.
Matthew 5:13-16 NIV “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Sometimes doing good interferes with those who want to do bad. For example, like we said last week, the pure in heart insist on truth. This interferes with those who want to follow their passions or prejudices. People who are merciful advocate forgiveness while others demand vengeance. Peacemakers quietly seek to stop hostilities while others insist that the only solution to is open warfare.
Photo Credit: Northside Baptist Church
2. Persecution is a pattern to be avoided.
Nero’s persecution that slaughtered Christians may not be the pattern in America, but persecution continues to be real and tends to follow the pattern Christ mentioned in verse 11 of our text.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me” (NIV).
This pattern of persecuting others should be avoided. Let's look at couple of the patterns of persecution.
A. The first pattern is slander.
Jesus mentioned those who “insult you.” This expression speaks of misrepresentations that degrade another person’s reputation.
The early church was not immune to slander. They were accused of cannibalism as they gathered to observe the Lord’s Supper.
They were charged with immoral practices as they gathered for their love feast. The people of the early church were even accused of being fanatical doomsayers as they spoke of the ultimate end of the world. Some people today continue to use slander as an effective tool for persecution.
B. Then there’s the pattern of harassment
In verse 11 Jesus spoke of those who “persecute you.” Persecution may be defined as repeatedly attacking or as continually annoying someone. For instance, the only crime of first-century believers, was that they put Christ before Caesar. They were harassed for this dedication and were killed by the thousands. Harassment can be subtle but Jesus clearly commanded us to avoid it. We may not understand or appreciate another person, but persecution through harassment in any form is forbidden.
C. Then the pattern of falsehoods or better yet lies.
Continuing in verse 11, Jesus spoke of those who “falsely say all kinds of evil” about believers. Slander usually has some element of truth in it, however small. But a lie has no truth in it whatsoever. Jesus became the object of many wicked accusations. His enemies tried to destroy his good name and discount his miracles and ministry.
An example of that is in
Matthew 12:22-24 NIV Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.”
Inevitably, this type of persecution will come to any Christian whose lifestyle clearly shows that Jesus Christ makes a difference. It is never easy to suffer this form of persecution, but every Christian must be ready to face it. Obviously, telling lies is a pattern to be avoided by those who want to experience the blessings of this beatitude.
3. There is a reward promised to those who are persecuted for righteousness sake however
In our text, Jesus said that all who endure persecution will be rewarded. It is a promise made to those who suffer for righteousness’ sake and who are spoken against falsely for Christ’s sake. This is a threefold promise.
A. It is a promise for today
In verse 10 Jesus said, “For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Even in the midst of persecution you can enjoy this promise. It is for the here and now. When believers must suffer because of their faith, they have discovered the way to experience the closest possible companionship with their Lord.
Matthew 10:16-32 NIV “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household! “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.
The promise that “theirs is the kingdom of heaven” is a reality today.
B. It is a future promise.
“Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven” (v. 12 NIV). The apostle Paul might have been thinking about this promise when he wrote,
“As it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’— the things God has prepared for those who love him—these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit” (1 Cor. 2:9–10 NIV).
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
C. It is a perennial or continuing, never ending promise.
Jesus continued, “For in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matt. 5:12 NIV). This is a promise of being identified with God’s chosen people, a promise that is realized both in the present and in the future. To suffer persecution is to walk the same road as the prophets and martyrs. To suffer for what is right is to be part of a great succession of godly people, people of faith.
George Bernard Shaw said that the finest compliment the world can pay any author is to burn his books, thus showing that his books are so dynamic and explosive as to be considered intolerable. And the finest compliment that can be paid to Christians is persecution because of righteousness, for then they have been identified with God’s people, people of faith.
In Hebrews chapter eleven there is a list of people identified by name then beginning at verse 35 there are others whose names we don’t know but who were persecuted and when you are persecuted for righteousness sake join them.
Hebrews 11:35-40 NIV Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
This is a never ending promise
Psalms 23:1-6 NIV The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 NIV For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Revelation 21:1-4 NIV Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Conclusion
In America, where it is so easy for Christians to live comfortable and safe lives, we often forget that persecution of Christians happens in many parts of the world. Whether persecution comes in the open threat on one’s life or in the insidious words spoken by a fellow Christian, you must be willing to suffer persecution for righteousness’ sake if you want to experience the happiness that Jesus promised. The promise “Theirs is the kingdom of heaven” continues to bless those who endure through severe persecution.
(Matt. 5:10–12 NIV) “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you”
The happiness or joy that we've talked about throughout this entire series is only possible when your life has been made new. That happens when you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. When you acknowledge that your life is a mess and you can't fix it. When you realize that someone has given up their life so that yours can be fixed. Then and only then can you be joyful in persecution. You can do that right now.
Nero’s persecution that slaughtered Christians may not be the pattern in America, but persecution continues to be real and tends to follow the pattern Christ mentioned in verse 11 of our text.
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me” (NIV).
This pattern of persecuting others should be avoided. Let's look at couple of the patterns of persecution.
A. The first pattern is slander.
Jesus mentioned those who “insult you.” This expression speaks of misrepresentations that degrade another person’s reputation.
The early church was not immune to slander. They were accused of cannibalism as they gathered to observe the Lord’s Supper.
They were charged with immoral practices as they gathered for their love feast. The people of the early church were even accused of being fanatical doomsayers as they spoke of the ultimate end of the world. Some people today continue to use slander as an effective tool for persecution.
B. Then there’s the pattern of harassment
In verse 11 Jesus spoke of those who “persecute you.” Persecution may be defined as repeatedly attacking or as continually annoying someone. For instance, the only crime of first-century believers, was that they put Christ before Caesar. They were harassed for this dedication and were killed by the thousands. Harassment can be subtle but Jesus clearly commanded us to avoid it. We may not understand or appreciate another person, but persecution through harassment in any form is forbidden.
C. Then the pattern of falsehoods or better yet lies.
Continuing in verse 11, Jesus spoke of those who “falsely say all kinds of evil” about believers. Slander usually has some element of truth in it, however small. But a lie has no truth in it whatsoever. Jesus became the object of many wicked accusations. His enemies tried to destroy his good name and discount his miracles and ministry.
An example of that is in
Matthew 12:22-24 NIV Then they brought him a demon-possessed man who was blind and mute, and Jesus healed him, so that he could both talk and see. All the people were astonished and said, “Could this be the Son of David?” But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this fellow drives out demons.”
Inevitably, this type of persecution will come to any Christian whose lifestyle clearly shows that Jesus Christ makes a difference. It is never easy to suffer this form of persecution, but every Christian must be ready to face it. Obviously, telling lies is a pattern to be avoided by those who want to experience the blessings of this beatitude.
3. There is a reward promised to those who are persecuted for righteousness sake however
In our text, Jesus said that all who endure persecution will be rewarded. It is a promise made to those who suffer for righteousness’ sake and who are spoken against falsely for Christ’s sake. This is a threefold promise.
A. It is a promise for today
In verse 10 Jesus said, “For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Even in the midst of persecution you can enjoy this promise. It is for the here and now. When believers must suffer because of their faith, they have discovered the way to experience the closest possible companionship with their Lord.
Matthew 10:16-32 NIV “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard; you will be handed over to the local councils and be flogged in the synagogues. On my account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes. “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters. If the head of the house has been called Beelzebul, how much more the members of his household! “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.
The promise that “theirs is the kingdom of heaven” is a reality today.
B. It is a future promise.
“Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven” (v. 12 NIV). The apostle Paul might have been thinking about this promise when he wrote,
“As it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’— the things God has prepared for those who love him—these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit” (1 Cor. 2:9–10 NIV).
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 NIV Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
C. It is a perennial or continuing, never ending promise.
Jesus continued, “For in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you” (Matt. 5:12 NIV). This is a promise of being identified with God’s chosen people, a promise that is realized both in the present and in the future. To suffer persecution is to walk the same road as the prophets and martyrs. To suffer for what is right is to be part of a great succession of godly people, people of faith.
George Bernard Shaw said that the finest compliment the world can pay any author is to burn his books, thus showing that his books are so dynamic and explosive as to be considered intolerable. And the finest compliment that can be paid to Christians is persecution because of righteousness, for then they have been identified with God’s people, people of faith.
In Hebrews chapter eleven there is a list of people identified by name then beginning at verse 35 there are others whose names we don’t know but who were persecuted and when you are persecuted for righteousness sake join them.
Hebrews 11:35-40 NIV Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
This is a never ending promise
Psalms 23:1-6 NIV The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 NIV For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
Revelation 21:1-4 NIV Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Conclusion
In America, where it is so easy for Christians to live comfortable and safe lives, we often forget that persecution of Christians happens in many parts of the world. Whether persecution comes in the open threat on one’s life or in the insidious words spoken by a fellow Christian, you must be willing to suffer persecution for righteousness’ sake if you want to experience the happiness that Jesus promised. The promise “Theirs is the kingdom of heaven” continues to bless those who endure through severe persecution.
(Matt. 5:10–12 NIV) “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you”
The happiness or joy that we've talked about throughout this entire series is only possible when your life has been made new. That happens when you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. When you acknowledge that your life is a mess and you can't fix it. When you realize that someone has given up their life so that yours can be fixed. Then and only then can you be joyful in persecution. You can do that right now.
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