4-15-07 Matthew 5:10

Matthew 5:10 (NAS)
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:10 (Philips)
Happy are those who have suffered persecution for the cause of goodness,
for the kingdom of Heaven is theirs!

Matthew 5:10 (BBE)
Happy are those who are attacked on account of righteousness:
for the kingdom of heaven will be theirs.

When you submit to the Lord’s dealings in your life, looking forward to the changes He is making in you, you are happy and blessed. Suffering for your faith may not seem a pleasant way to be blessed, but it is one of God’s highest blessings! If you are being pursued in a hostile manner, rejoice. If you are being harassed, molested, troubled or mistreated for your faith in Jesus Christ, rejoice! Look to the Author and Finisher of your faith and continue to run the race with patience. You will reach your goal!

You have already been approved by God and your life displays integrity, virtue, purity, rightness and correct thinking, feeling, and acting. The Lord has made you innocent, faultless, and guiltless. You are being wholly conformed to the will of God. Not only are you being conformed to His will, but you are being made into His likeness. You are looking like your Heavenly Father. That is why men who resist Him resist you. When they look at you, they see Him and they are condemned and judged for they are of the world.

You, however, are not of the world. You are an heir and a joint heir with Christ. When men persecute you, rejoice for your Father has given you the Kingdom. He has given you the right and authority to rule in His domain. He has given you royal power and dignity. You are a leader of men and believing men follow in your footsteps, as you follow Christ. All of Heaven takes notice of you for you are one of its’ own!