4-19-07 Matthew 5:11,12

Matthew 5:11, 12 (NIVUS)
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.

You can be fully satisfied in Christ, regardless of the circumstances in which you find yourself. You are in the world, but are independent of the world. Your circumstances do not determine the level on which you are blessed; only God and you determine your level of blessing!

Even if people speak lies and other evil things about you, that does not mean you are not blessed. If they revile your reputation and reproach and shame you before others, be at peace. Even though hostile people trouble, mistreat, harass you, none of their persecutions can touch you. They may continuously and loudly proclaim things to cause you harm and pain. They may also lie and deliberately speak falsehoods against you. If they are attacking your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, you should rejoice, for the Lord sees you worthy to suffer for His name's sake. You should meet their persecutions with rejoicing.

Yes, rejoice and be exceedingly glad. Shout for joy and let your exultation spring up and gush forth. The Lord has seen everything that has come against you and He has planned many great rewards for you. He will recompense you, giving you what He deems is your due for everything that you have suffered. He sees and compares your persecutions and sufferings to those endured by His prophets before you. They, like you, were His spokesmen and like you, were subjected to evil at the hands of wicked men.

Be glad for the wicked will not always triumph! Rejoice exceedingly for God has made you the triumphant one!