how here in this 8th and final beatitude JESUS shows us the reality of CHRIST-followers being harassed. matthew 5.10-12 (tev), happy are those who are persecuted because they do what GOD requires; the kingdom of heaven belongs to them! happy are you when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of evil lies against you because you are my followers. be happy and glad, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven. this is how the prophets who lived before you were persecuted. it's going to happen.
notice he doesn't say if you're persecuted, if you're insulted, but …when people insult you and persecute you, when. be prepared. don't be caught off guard. as the world gets more and more secular it's getting more and more hostile to CHRISTianity. that's the reality.
so what are the reasons for harassment. the second part of verse 11 says, it’s because you are my followers. he's not talking about racial harassment, sexual harassment or being put down for being obnoxious.
sometimes people set themselves up as martyrs. they are irritating or they're stubborn or they're nosey and no wonder people put them down. they are just obnoxious.
also, HE's not talking here about the self-righteous CHRISTian who is offensive in witnessing and blows everybody away – "turn or burn, you're going to die and fry. i'm so great and you're so bad and GOD's called me to tell you all your sins." and then the guy comes back and says, "i'm being persecuted". he's not being persecuted, he's being a jerk! and he's being a fanatic!
the fact is, the right reason for harassment is, no servant is greater than his master. if they persecuted ME, they will persecute you also. john 15.20 (niv)
just a thought from the front porch…
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