Fix Your Eyes on Jesus
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.
(Matthew 5:10-12)
Ever been in the midst of persecution, insults, false accusations and much evil because of righteousness sake–Christ’s sake? We are not talking here about consequences from our own foolish actions, rather consequences of our actions motivated by honoring our Lord Jesus. Not only are we to take heart when we experience persecution, we are to “rejoice and the glad.” It is certain, Jesus said, that blessedness will follow.
Scripture tells us that we are in very good company. The Bible is filled with stories of those who stayed faithful to God though hunted, pursued, run down, abandoned, insulted, falsely accused, and treated as the scum of the earth. It’s important to remember that these people were rarely credited by man, yet were ever elevated by God. In the great “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews we are told that faith is being certain of what we do not see and it is our faith that pleases God:
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. (Hebrews 11:1-2)
And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)
By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. (Hebrews 11:7)
“Never dread any consequence resulting from absolute obedience to His command. Never fear the rough waters ahead, which through their proud contempt impede your progress. God is greater than the roar of raging water and the mighty waves of the sea. The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever’ (Psalm 29:10). A storm is simply the hem of His robe, the sign of His coming, and the evidence of His presence. Dare to trust Him! Dare to follow Him! Then discover that the forces that blocked your progress and threatened your life become at His command the very materials He uses to build your street of freedom.” (F. B. Meyer)
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country–a heavenly one.
Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. (Hebrews11:13-16)
Take It to Heart
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3)