Rejoicing in the Fire

We conclude our journey through the Beatitudes this week as we read, pray, and reflect on Jesus' teachings that call us to seek humility, mercy, and righteousness, challenging us to shift our focus from worldly values to God's. The Beatitudes list the qualities of those who are children of the Kingdom of Heaven (Matt. 5:1-12). 

This week, we focus on Matthew 5:11-12.

Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:11-12

In the face of adversity, Jesus invites us to do the unthinkable: rejoice in the face of persecution. This radical perspective on suffering is rooted in the assurance of our eternal reward. 

When we encounter hardship for living out our faith, we are reminded that our identity is found in Christ, not in the opinions of others.

To praise when persecuted demonstrates how much we believe in God’s promises. It helps take our eyes off our present circumstances and look to the future glory that we are about to inherit. 

Just as the apostles who celebrated that they were worthy to be mistreated for the name of Jesus (Acts 5:41), we too can raise our heads and hearts in whatever trial we face, because we know that our steadfast faith gives glory to God and clears a path for others to find Him.

‍Call to intercession: 

Seek the joy of the Lord as your strength (Nehemiah 8:10), even in the fire. 

May you then intercede for believers around the world who face rejection, opposition, and hardship because of their faith. Ask the Lord to fill them and you with His unspeakable joy. 

Then ask the Lord to give you the boldness to step out and encourage someone today who may be struggling, reminding them that heaven sees, heaven knows, and heaven rewards.