Blessed Are You When People Revile and Persecute You

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You are blessed when they insult you and persecute you and falsely say every kind of evil against you because of me. Be glad and rejoice, because your reward is great in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11-12 CSB

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God,” Corrie ten Boom’s quote exemplifies her life. Corrie and her devout Christian family are best known for their courageous acts of hiding and assisting Jews to escape the brutal terror of the Nazi regime in The Netherlands. Through their effort, over 800 lives were saved from the Holocaust in World War II. The family’s effort to help others resulted in all the family being arrested and imprisoned with Corrie’s father and sister dying in the concentration camps.

Betsie could not survive the horrors of Ravensbruck but left a message with Corrie to share with the world. “Tell everyone who will listen that Jesus is a reality and that he is stronger than the powers of darkness. Tell them He is our greatest friend, our hiding place. Only prisoners can know how desperate this life is. We can tell from experience that no pit is too deep, because God’s everlasting arms always sustain us. Even in Ravensbruck, God’s love still stands when all else has fallen.”

Betsie and the generations of Christians who have been martyrs for their faith would understand what Jonathan Pennington wrote. “If you are slandered for the name of Christ you are flourishing, because the glorious and divine Spirit rests upon you.”

John Foxe died in 1587 but his monumental work, “Foxe’s Book of Martyrs” has endured as a legacy of inspiration for the persecuted church to remain faithful and as a challenge to all the church to remain steadfast in the face of persecution. Sabina Wurmbrand, co-founder of The Voice of the Martyrs, is quoted in an updated version of this classic book. “Leprosy is a disease without pain. No remedy is found because the nerves don’t work. Lepers lose their fingers and toes in accidents because they cannot feel any pain. When the Church does not feel pain with those that are part of them, the Church’s nerves also become dead. Then the Church loses parts of its body. It loses power to touch souls. The Church loses its credibility before the world. On the other side, the suffering church gives the whole Church strength to fight for Christ. Suffering makes the soul to cry out and look for help, to draw strength from the source of help—Jesus Christ.”

Jesus concluded his introductory remarks before launching into his transforming teachings commonly known as the Sermon on the Mount. Biblical scholars differ on whether verses 11 and 12 constitute a stand-alone 9th Beatitude or a continuation of the Beatitude in verse 10, “Blessed are those who are persecuted.” Regardless of whether 8 or 9, each Beatitude serves as a powerful bridge to Jesus’ teachings that followed on how his followers were to live life.

Jesus uses the Beatitudes in much the same way a caring hostess prepares for her guests. The table is meticulously set, each dish and cutlery item placed in its proper place and each detail of the table arranged correctly. Yet the table setting is not the main focus, it serves only as the container for the delicious food that is about to be served.

Servais Pinckaers writes, “We can compare the work of the beatitudes to that of a plow in the field. Drawn along with determination, it drives the sharp edge of the plowshare into the earth and carves out, as the poets say, a deep wound, a broad furrow…In the same way the word of the Beatitudes penetrates us with the power of the Holy Spirit in order to break up our interior soil. It cuts through us with the sharp edge of trials and with the struggles it provokes. It overturns our ideas and projects, reverses the obvious, thwarts our desires, and bewilders us, leaving us poor and naked before God. All this, in order to prepare a place within us for the seed of new life. “(from Pursuit of Happiness}

You are more familiar with Corrie ten Boom and her family’s effort on behalf of those persecuted and for their own imprisonment. What is not generally known about the Ten Boom family is their 100-year prayer legacy. Corrie’s grandfather, Willem gathered his family around the dining room table to pray on behalf of the Jewish people and “for the peace of Jerusalem” from 1844 to 1944 until the Nazis arrested the family and sent them to concentration camps. She saw a connection between the prayer century for the Jews and the role her family played in World War II.

“In a divine way which is beyond our understanding, God answered those prayers. One hundred years after Willem began his prayer meetings, his son, four grandchildren, and a great-grandchild were arrested in the same house where the prayer meetings started, because they had saved Jewish people from Adolph Hitler’s plans to kill them.” (from an article by Mark Ellis)

I can’t remember a time when Jesus wasn’t a central part of my life yet as I began writing on each Beatitude over these last nine weeks I came away with a fresh perspective of a flourishing and blessed life. Yet these last Beatitudes challenged me in so many ways. How do I respond to Jesus’ words, “Blessed are you when they insult you”? Am I able to “be glad and rejoice”? John Stott powerfully gave words to some of what I was thinking. “Since all the beatitudes describe what every Christian disciple is intended to be, we conclude that the condition of being despised and rejected, slandered and persecuted, is as much a normal mark of Christian discipleship as being pure in heart or merciful.”

Together we can pray for the persecuted church, for each other, and the church’s impact on our culture. “He who rescued us from so deadly a peril will continue to rescue us; on him we have set our hope that he will rescue us again, as you also join in helping us by your prayers, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.” 2 Cor 1:10-11 (NRSV)

God is great!

Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted

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Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Matthew 5:10 CSB

Did I hear you right Jesus? Are we blessed when we are persecuted? Scripture doesn’t tell us the crowd’s reaction that day as Jesus was teaching, but I am sure these words got their attention. The other teachings that morning were game changers in living in God’s kingdom, but to be persecuted? I am sure a lot of heads shot up with these words that day, but Jesus already knew that flourishing in his kingdom would not be easy. Jesus was not calling them to an easy life, just a fulfilled life. The same is true for us today.

Persecution was not a new concept when Jesus spoke these words that morning. David writes from hiding in a cave, “Listen to my cry, for I am very weak. Rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me.” (Psalm 143:6) Persecution through the years has taken on various forms but at its core, the ultimate source of persecution of God’s people is Satan. John Stott wrote, “Persecution is simply the clash between two irreconcilable value systems.”

The Apostle Paul knew a thing or two about persecution and wrote, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens.” (Eph 6:12) The Apostle Peter also knew a few things about persecution as he wrote, “Dear friends, don’t be surprised when the fiery ordeal comes among you to test you, as if something unusual were happening to you.” (I Peter 4:12)

Jim Denison in his commentary on Matthew writes, “Persecution has been a constant theme of Christian discipleship from Jesus’ day to ours. An estimated “more than 70 million Christians have been martyred over the last two millennia, more than half of which died in the 20th century under fascist and communist regimes” and an estimated “1 million Christians were killed between 2001 and 2010 and about 900,000 were killed from 2011 to 2020.”

Pauline learned that her husband, Rami, had been murdered for his Christian faith and his ministry activity in Gaza. Pauline wrote, “I was very, very mad at God,” but then “When I would think about myself in this situation I would feel depressed. But when I looked to God, he would lift me up.” Years later she continues strong in her faith and ministry. She expressed what others who have faced persecution have done, “I realized that not to forgive is a sin.” (based on a story from Voice of Martyrs)

In areas of the world where extreme persecution is most intense, reports of amazing growth are being shared. As leaders gathered in a Global Development Consultation in Butuan City, Philippines a message was shared from a church leader in one region of persecution asking, “that we not pray for the persecution to stop but simply that they would continue to be faithful. Give praise to God who is at work everywhere, even in some of the most challenging places. Pray that those under persecution will remain strong in their faith, clinging to Christ and the hope they have in Him.” (article in Team Expansion)

An Egyptian believer shared a most helpful insight about praying for them. “Please don’t pray for us, please pray with us. If you pray for us, you will pray for the wrong things. You will pray for our safety. You will pray that persecution will cease. But if you pray with us, you will ask God to bring millions of Egyptians to faith in Christ. You will pray that when the inevitable Muslim backlash comes because of our witness, we will be faithful, even if it costs us our lives.” (Al Janssen, Open Doors International)

Persecution comes in all forms against followers of Jesus. It comes as murder, kidnapping, community harassment, and family rejection. David Platt, pastor and founder of Radical gives examples of a Middle Eastern businessman losing his right to run a business, a believer in the Himalayas losing the right to water or electricity, a church in a Southeast Asian city forced to pay extra, and sometimes exorbitant fees to rent or own a building. But it can also look like a British Christian being arrested for praying silently outside an abortion clinic or an American Christian being fired from his job for expressing his views on biblical sexuality.  (from an article in Christianity Today)

Sunday, November 3rd was designated as The International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. If your church did not mention it or you did not know about it, today is just as good of a day to pray for the persecuted church since 1 in 7 believers around the globe suffer some level of persecution and discrimination for their faith. They would greatly appreciate your unrelenting prayer support.

We may not be in the echelon of political power but we are actually in a better place because we can approach the sovereign God of all creation on behalf of the persecuted church. The same God that opened prison doors, unfastened shackles, drew people to Him, and ultimately transformed a nation because the people devoted themselves to prayer is still the same God who will open prison doors, unfasten shackles, draw people to him, and transform nations.

“We are afflicted in every way but not crushed; we are perplexed but not in despair; we are persecuted but not abandoned; we are struck down but not destroyed. We always carry the death of Jesus in our body, so that the life of Jesus may also be displayed in our body.” (2 Cor 4:8-10)

God is great!

 

Blessed Are the Peacemakers

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Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:9 NIV

Why is peace such an elusive place that so many people struggle to find? “There was a time in my life when I thought I had everything—millions of dollars, mansions, cars, nice clothes, beautiful women, and every other materialistic thing you can imagine. Now I struggle for peace.” (Richard Pryor)

The crowd on that hillside heard Jesus’ words correctly that morning but what did they mean for them? Jesus spoke about them being blessed, peacemakers, and children of God. How could they be peacemakers when they were under the bondage of a foreign power? How could they be peacemakers when struggling with their neighbor over a dispute? Their days were nothing but a struggle, how could they have peace?

Jesus’ words have continued to stir within the soul of his followers since that day. “There is a special joy for the peacemakers. Self-assertiveness and a divisive spirit know nothing of peacemaking. But those who reconcile the estranged are doing something just like God: he is always making peace. Sadly, this characteristic has been sadly missing from vast tracts of the church down the centuries. The children have been very unlike the Father, and have rendered him incredible to many.” (Michael Green)

Somehow there is something appropriate about today’s post featuring the 7th Beatitude coming just as the United States finished one of the most divisive elections in recent years. Yet maybe even more appropriate is falling on Veterans Day. This is a Public Holiday that is observed annually on November 11. “A celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.” (U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs)

Veterans Day marks a public recognition and observance of those who have served their country in their unique roles as peacemakers. Saint Augustine wrote “The purpose of all wars, is peace.” Though some people may debate the purpose of the war, there is no doubt in the minds of the frontline military personnel that the battles are to obtain peace. “The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.” –General Douglas MacArthur

There have been very few periods of relative peace in human history. The New York Times had an article in 2003 that out of the past 3,400 years, humans have experienced only around 268 years of complete peace. Yet God intended peace to be the normal pattern, not the exception.  “Those of steadfast mind you keep in peace—in peace because they trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3)

Our word peace comes from the Hebrew word, Shalom, a beautiful word picture of a person at complete peace with God, others, and self. “The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.” (Psalm 29:11)

Jesus called his followers to be Peacemakers among those they encountered each day. Peacemakers not only learn to live in peace but also bring harmony among others. J.R.R. Tolkien was a peacemaker in the life of his close friend C.S. Lewis. Tolkien displayed the ultimate role as a peacemaker, he was instrumental in Lewis coming to faith in Jesus. Tolkien wrote of peace as a way of life in his classic fantasy tale of The Hobbit. “Hobbits are an unobtrusive but very ancient people, more numerous formerly than they are today; for they love peace and quiet and good tilled earth: a well-ordered and well-farmed countryside was their favourite haunt.”

Peacemakers flourish in the world by living a life of quiet harmony. The current cultural environment has brought some great changes in living life but it has also created a level of anxiety and stress unparalleled in history. Anna Medaris in an article for American Psychological Association writes that Gen Z adults and younger Millennials are completely overwhelmed by stress. In it she shares the story of one young person, “Not knowing what your future is going to look like in a world where nobody knows what the collective future is going to look like is, to say the least, overwhelming.”

What a difference when Peacemakers walk alongside those who are anxious and stressed out with the words, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7)

When Jesus called his followers to be Peacemakers it wouldn’t be a passive approach to living life but with boldness and confidence. Peacemakers do not avoid conflict or strive but seek to advance God’s kingdom of righteousness and justice. Peacemakers take Jesus at his word, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid,” (John 14:27)

God is the ultimate author of peace, seeking to destroy the evil that brings pain and destruction. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

“If every member of your community made a concerted effort to become poor in spirit, meek, merciful, pure in heart, and prone to promoting peace, how would your community be transformed? How do these beatitudes bring people together?” (Life with Others, Spiritual Formation Bible)

God has called and equipped us to be Peacemakers in this broken world. Peacemakers working to be the transforming agents “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;

where there is hatred, let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon’’ where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master,

grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand;

to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

Amen

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Colossians 3:15

God is great!

 

Blessed Are the Pure in Heart

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Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:8 NRSV

What comes to your mind when you think about the word pure – the face of a newborn baby? Unexpected snow blanketing the ground? Jesus looked across the hillside and spoke the sixth Beatitude, “Blessed are the pure in heart.” Without a doubt, He knew the condition of their hearts and minds, yet He saw beyond their present conditions to what His followers could become through Him.

The rich, the powerful, and the religious elite were among the crowd that day who heard Jesus speak, and heard the words, “Blessed are the pure in heart.” They probably thought about their ceremonial and religious cleansing rituals as they looked with disdain at the dirty masses. However, the ‘crowd’ heard words of hope, encouragement, and a future. Jesus’ words were aimed at the powerless, the oppressed, and the nobodies of society. It was a message for them (and us today) on how to flourish in life and live in God’s kingdom by trusting in God rather than the powerful for deliverance.

Martin Luther contrasted inward and outward purity with a very earthy view. “Christ…wants to have the heart pure, though outwardly the person may be a drudge in the kitchen, black, sooty, and grimy, doing all sorts of dirty work. Though a common labourer, a shoemaker or a blacksmith may be dirty and sooty or may smell because he is covered with dirt and pitch…and though he stinks outwardly, inwardly he is pure incense before God because he ponders the word of God in his heart and obeys it.” (The Message of the Sermon on the Mount, John Stott)

The Beatitudes were not teachings intended to be in isolation from each other but bundled together like you would do a flower bouquet, nine distinct but equally beautiful teachings. Samuel Isaac Joseph Schereschewsky was born to Orthodox Jewish parents in Lithuania in 1831. When he was 15, he entered rabbinical school, and it was there he came into contact with Christianity. A friend gave him a Bible and through reading it, became convinced of the truth of Christianity. Schereschewsky emigrated to America, and it would be many years before he would fully commit himself to Christ.  He would later train for the priesthood and was sent out by the Episcopal Church as a missionary to China.

He was uniquely gifted as a scholar and linguist, translating the Bible into Mandarin and Wenli (the classical Chinese style of writing), serving as the Bishop of China, and starting churches and educational institutions. We could easily mistake these successes as the blessed part of his life,  yet Schereschewsky’s life would flourish even with his disability. Developing Parkinson’s disease, he became almost completely paralyzed. He would complete his Wenli Bible, finishing the last two thousand pages which he typed with the one finger that he could still move. Shortly before his death, he said to a friend, “I have sat in this chair for over twenty years. It seemed very hard at first. But God knew best. He kept me for the work for which I am best fitted.” (G. Wright Doyle)

I think Eugene Peterson captured the essence of the verse beautifully in The Message Translation: “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.” (Matt 5:8 The Message) “Greek scholar Fritz Rienecker defines “heart” as “the center of the inner life of the person where all the spiritual forces and functions have their origin.” (Jim Denison)

“As John Calvin observes, most people hold to the erroneous belief that the happy person is the one who is “free from annoyance, attains all his wishes, and leads a joyful and easy life”; the mistaken idea is that true happiness is about our present emotional state. However, in these Beatitudes, Calvin continues, Christ exposes this belief as false, lest Christians think that calamities and reproaches are at variance with the happy life…The disciples of Christ must learn the philosophy of placing their happiness beyond the world, and above the afflictions of the flesh.” (Jonathan Pennington)

David captured this relationship of the heart with our relationship with God in the Psalms. He would write “Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god.” (Ps 24:3-4) Nathan the prophet would confront David after he had committed adultery and murder exposing David’s heart. David would write Psalm 51 seeking to restore the purity of his heart toward God. “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions…Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” (Ps 51:1,10-12)

How does one live in a time when we are drowning in images and words that crush the heart? The same way as every generation before us, staying focused on Jesus.   “Come near to God and he will come near to you…purify your hearts….” (James 4:8) “Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart…” (Heb 10:22).

“To worship is to quicken the conscience by the holiness of God, to feed the mind with the truth of God, to purge the imagination by the beauty of God, to open the heart to the love of God, to devote the will to the purpose of God.” (William Temple)

The words of Brian Doerksen’s song, Purify My Heart, amplifies our calling to be pure in heart:

Purify my heart. Let me be as gold and precious silver

Purify my heart. Let me be as gold, pure gold

Refiner’s fire, my heart’s one desire is to be holy, set apart for You, Lord

I choose to be holy, set apart for You, my Master, Ready to do Your will…

https://youtu.be/ayH5iV5zmrI?si=1Dt7VkcfcPBaTaJZ

God is great!

I apologize for last week’s technical problem causing you to get the post twice. Hopefully, I have fixed it.