Filadelfia International Church Barcelona

#TUESDAYDEVOTIONFICB

Matthew 5:10-12 NIV

“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“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.

None of us wants to suffer or to be persecuted, right? But as we believe and follow Jesus, persecution is unavoidable.The Lord Jesus said that ” the servant is no greater than his master.” If the Lord Jesus experienced persecution, we also as his followers will experience it. If the world hated him, they would also hate us. 

From the early church til now, persecution is present in many countries. Even we face persecution from our closest relationship, from our families and in our communities.

Though persecution and suffering are unavoidable, the Lord Jesus encourages us to ” take heart because he has already overcome the world.” ( John 16:33 ).He instructed us to greatly rejoice and be glad, for great is the reward.  (v. 12) 

The Apostle Paul also said,”
Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ( 2 Corinthians 4:16-17)

WHAT A GREAT PROMISE.

So then, when facing persecution, instead of retaliating and fighting back. Let us pray for one another’s faith to stand firm. Pray for those who persecute us. And believe that the Lord Jesus is with us.

Blessed Day, brethren.