Sustain

Jock Stein August 20, 2024 6 1

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Matthew 5: 11-12 (NRSVA)

11 ‘Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Some manuscripts miss out the ‘falsely’ in verse 11. Was it added because people began to see some Christians who were only getting what they deserved? In the first letter of Peter, Christian slaves are praised when they are beaten for doing right, but the writer recognises that sometimes they are beaten for doing wrong. We hear plenty of criticism of the church and its leaders, and sometimes it is quite justified. However, those who listen to Jesus and do what he says may indeed be slagged off and worse. Theirs is the kingdom, and we do well to defend them and follow their example.

However, verse 12 says more. It speaks of prophets, or good people who have been persecuted in previous generations. It speaks of a reward in heaven. And because we anticipate heaven through our experience of the Holy Spirit, no wonder Jesus tells us to rejoice and be glad. We are not only children of Abraham, we are children of a long line of prophets, we walk in the steps of a great company of men and women of faith and obedience, who now enjoy their reward, and – according to one possible understanding of Hebrews 12: 1 – are cheering us on.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we live in a country which is only now tipping over into unbelief. The persecution we endure is mild, and limited. We pray for those in lands where there is wild and vicious attacks on those who follow your teaching, or simply seek to gather with your people. Sustain their faith and honour their witness. May their example extend and deepen the showing of your kingdom in their company and in their society. May their courage shame some and inspire others. May they continue to seek a reward which is not of this world. And may we too desire this kind of witness, for your name’s sake. Amen.