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Day 33 Matthew 5:10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” When you think about persecution, you think of torture and death. When the enemy captures soldiers in time of war, they persecute them to learn information beneficial to their cause. Often the enemy tortures them to the point of death. The only information a soldier is to give the enemy is their name, rank, and serial number. Nothing else. Jesus said He would bless those persecuted for righteousness’ sake and give them the kingdom of heaven. He knew people would persecute His followers and say and do many things to make them turn from Him. However, those who came through the persecution would receive a great reward in heaven. Revelation 2:10 “Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (NKJV) As Christians, you know life isn’t easy. Satan comes against you to destroy your faith. He attacks your home, children, marriage, and your life. He doesn’t want you to receive eternal life. He wants you to join him in Hell. John 10:10 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (NKJV) Your reward for faithfulness is far greater than anything Satan offers you. When he doesn’t get what he wants from you, he persecutes you. Many of the early church martyrs were sent to Roman arenas where they were eaten by lions, fought as gladiators, tortured, set on fire, even hung as Peter was, who insisted on being hung upside down. The rewards they received for their faithfulness were great and eternal. Everything Satan offers you is temporary. The apostles gave us examples of how they felt about the persecution Satan brought on them. 2 Corinthians 4:15 For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (NKJV) Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed in us. 1 Peter 1:6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls. (NKJV) James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. (NKJV) 1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. Christians throughout the world suffer great persecution because of their faith. Yet they know the reward is worth the persecution. We who live in America don’t know the extent of the persecution God’s faithful followers receive. Many have lost their lives because they would not reject Jesus as their Savior and Lord. They knew that doing so would cause the loss of their salvation. Nothing Satan causes against you is worth the loss of your soul. Paul called it a light affliction, nothing to be concerned about because the reward was greater than the trial. You know Paul suffered greatly at the hands of his tormentors, even death. What are you willing to endure for the sake of Jesus Christ? Are you willing to lay down your life to receive the reward waiting for you in heaven? Let’s pray: Father, I have not come under persecution for my faith. I have not been tested and tried as Your many faithful followers have been who gave their lives for You and the gospel. Help me stand against whatever Satan brings against me, knowing the reward for my faithfulness far outweighs anything Satan offers. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Copyright © 15 August 2023 by Valerie Routhieaux The image belongs to me.