Written by Paul Lane
The Word
10 “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 5:10 (NASB)
17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.
1 Peter 3:17 (NASB)
41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
Acts 5:41 (NIV)
39 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt; and Potiphar, an Egyptian officer of Pharaoh, the captain of the bodyguard, bought him from the Ishmaelites, who had taken him down there. 2 And the Lord was with Joseph, so he became a successful man. And he was in the house of his master, the Egyptian.
Genesis 39:1-2 (NASB)
Reflection
When I was a child, I disobeyed from time to time, and suffered for it. As a result, I learned something of righteousness, but this was suffering to become righteous and not for righteousness’ sake. As Peter tells us, it is better that we suffer for doing right, than for doing wrong. It is important that we understand that Jesus is not talking about all suffering, but the suffering we experience when walking the path that He has prescribed for us.
I think the word “prescribed” is a good one here, because it communicates the idea that someone has gone before us. We should understand that what Jesus is asking us to do is not to blaze a new trail. Rather, He is asking us to follow a trail that has been laid out, with signpost and markers, and footholds. Also, while it is a narrow trail, it is not an abandoned or lonely one. Jesus said that He is with us until the end of the age.
Jesus is talking about doing what is right, in the presence of those who would have you do otherwise. So, we must make the decision to do right at some personal cost. In this beatitude, Jesus is not only saying that we must follow Him, but that there is a cost to it. And this is a price that we can all pay, if we are willing. Yes, there are other paths, and much can be made on them. There may be other roads where you may find wealth, fame, and opportunity, but you should also know that those roads also come at the cost of not following Jesus.
When we suffer for Christ, there are two benefits. First, we grow in internal strength. We learn that this world is not as powerful as it pretends to be, and that if we stand on the side of right, we become closer to God, His purpose, and His kingdom.
Second, we get to see the work of Christ done on the earth. Sure, that sounds fluffy and far off, but it is true and a benefit for our world. Imagine living in a small town and the bad guys start coming around shooting up the town. The town will live in fear until that one person stands up and says no more. In this is God’s will done, on earth as in heaven.
Application
Movie suggestions:
“The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.” (Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne, Vera Miles, Lee Marvin) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056217/
“Too Sir, with Love” (Sidney Poitier, Judy Geeson) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062376/
“Ben-Hur” (Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins, Stephen Boyd) Ben-Hur (1959) – IMDb
Sorry, these are all older movies. I would be interested in seeing if you have any modern-day movie suggestions of people doing good in the face of adversity. Movies can be great entertainment and show people being courageous, but maybe that is not enough to give us the strength we need in a true time of testing. For that, it will take the nearness of God. If you have that you will be as Elisha, knowing that those who are with you are more than those who are against you. God attends the way of the righteous, so pursue it, and you will never be alone.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I know that You always seek my good, and that You desire my growth in Your kingdom. But growing is hard, so I ask for Your grace to continue the path that You have set before me. I seek to grow in wisdom, in knowledge, and in the strength of character, that I might stand in the day of persecution. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
City Life Starter 
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