Beatitudes: Blessed are the persecuted

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:10

When we are counter cultural, the culture will criticize, because it does not like being exposed. Jesus said we will be persecuted, or criticized, because of him. I think this is because his message is so revolutionary.

He says blessed are the poor in spirit. He says to be humble, to consider others, to be meek and so forth, which is the opposite of what the modern culture says. Our culture glorifies those that are strong, those that make a name for themselves, those that draw attention to themselves. Jesus calls us to be something quiet different than that.

I Peter 2:15 says, "For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people." This is the reason we can rejoice at persecution, because our hope is in God, and we can expect "foolish talk."
Peter goes on to say in verse 21, "But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God."

If we are criticized or persecuted, it should be for actual righteousness, and not because we are indeed wrong or just acting crazy.

Note
Click on our advertisers to support this site.

Whimsical gifts, good summer deals on various items.

Personalized Cups, Napkins and Huggers for your next event at amazing prices. Click here!

0

Beatitudes: Blessed are the meek

Is this an image of meekness?

               Blessed are the meek,
         for they will inherit the earth. \
Matthew 5:5

In the world there is competition to get ahead. To win someone else has to lose, is often the mindset. The aggressive and powerful rule the day. That is not what Jesus was calling his disciples to though.  People who want to rule the world think highly of themselves and their own strength, they are not poor in spirit, do not mourn and are not meek.

Meek is translated Gentle or Humble in other translations. It is an interesting Greek word that could mean strength with gentleness, but there is no English word that conveys both ideas.

The meek here, are not weak, but they don't have power, and dont rely on their own power. They are not concerned with self, but with God and his kingdom.

The meek have a kind and gentle spirit, because they know their spiritual state and that their value and significance comes from God alone. They realized they were impoverished and without spiritual resources - and became poor in spirit. They mourned, and were comforted. At this point, they are meek, or gentle, because they understand where real strength comes from.

Those that are powerful and strong may rule the world at the moment, but the world will fade away. The meek, or those with a gentle spirit, will be the ones who end up inheriting the earth instead of the powerful and strong.

In Matthew 10:16, it says "The last will be first, and the first will be last."

* This post contains affiliate links and we'll earn a commission if you shop through them.  Support the site and get some good deals