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 before you.
Matthew 5:11 and 12
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Insulted because of me
After eight Beatitudes in the third person, Jesus suddenly speaks to his listeners directly: you. He makes it personal. This is about mockery and lies that come your way because you belong to him.
It all turns on one addition: because of me. The prophets of old were persecuted because they spoke for God. Anyone insulted for Jesus' sake stands in the company of the prophets. In Luke, Jesus even says you may leap for joy. Not for the pain, but for the one you stay faithful to, and for what awaits you in heaven.
Question for today
Am I ever ashamed that I belong to Jesus?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, it isn't easy to be laughed at for your sake. Give me a joy that runs deeper than what people think of me. Amen.
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