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Today's Quote
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Today's Verse
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Daily Wisdom
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Some of Jesus' statements are very difficult for us to understand. In Matthew 5:11 Jesus said, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me." Are we blessed when persecuted? The word persecution has an awesome ring to it. The Greek word translated "persecution," comes from a root that means to flee. The idea of being pursued relentlessly is built into this word.
I am reminded of those "flight" dreams we have all had -- where we try to escape but can never shake our pursuers. It is not only the idea of being hounded but being hounded unjustly. Jesus makes this element clear with the words, "persecute you falsely."
When Christians believe what is right and do what is right they may still find themselves on the defensive. Paul persecuted Christians prior to his conversion. Paul was later the target of Jewish persecution as he was chained, threatened, beaten, and ultimately sent to prison in Rome.
Jesus, too, knew what persecution was. His own pursuers ultimately drove him to Calvary. Jesus understood what his followers might have to suffer. His apostles were his witnesses. The Greek word Jesus used when he referred to witnesses was martus, which can be translated either "witness" or "martyr." To be a witness for Jesus was to put oneself in harms way.
Jesus knew that persecution would be the lot of many of those who might choose to follow him. He offers to such persons the words, "blessed are you." They are blessed because they have chosen the better way, the higher road, the way of truth. Externally, they may be harassed by those who hate the truth, but inside they are true to themselves and to the image of God within them.
Ultimately, those who put Jesus first in all that they think and do, though pressured and persecuted by the forces of evil on every hand, will have the protection and the promise of the kingdom of heaven. They will be with the Lord now and for all eternity.
