Your Identity in Christ
• I am a God-fearing follower of Jesus, and when I am insulted because of the name of Christ, I am blessed because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on me.
Did you notice in the initial eight beatitudes, Jesus uses 3rd person (“Blessed…for they…”) but here switches to 2nd person (“Blessed are you…”)?
Persecution is not just an “out there” experience for disciples. If you follow Jesus, you will suffer for His name. Have you come to terms with the reality that your Lord Jesus said that you, His disciple, will suffer for His name? While you don’t need to seek out people to hate you, you ought not try to avoid it.
AND… we need to remember that when we share the reason for our hope in Christ, we do it with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:18).
Some people are hated because their approach is judgmental or hateful in and of itself. If this is you, that’s not on Jesus – it’s on you. But as disciples of Jesus, we will be falsely accused as well. Get used to it, keeping in mind: "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me."
One last identity piece: In Hebrews 13:3, we are encouraged to identify with those suffering for the name of Jesus. "Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering."
Take time to identify with those imprisoned or suffering physical abuse for the name of Jesus. Pray as if it were you or one of your family.
After all, this is your extended family in Christ.
Prayer
Father God, strengthen my brothers and sisters throughout the world suffering loss of home, health, freedom and even life. Uphold them with Your Spirit and let their testimony bring You glory, bring the message to their persecutors, and give Your Spirit an open door to use their bold witness. Let them not wither – and when I face any degree of similar treatment, strengthen me as well. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 119:121-128 (Samekh, 16th letter)
- I have done what is righteous and just;
do not leave me to my oppressors. - Ensure your servant’s well-being;
do not let the arrogant oppress me. - My eyes fail, looking for your salvation,
looking for your righteous promise. - Deal with your servant
according to your love
and teach me your decrees. - I am your servant; give me discernment
that I may understand your statutes. - It is time for you to act, LORD;
your law is being broken. - Because I love your commands
more than gold, more than pure gold, - and because I consider all your precepts
right, I hate every wrong path.
Micro-Meditation
Teaching or Command of God
Jeremiah 6:16
This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Romans 3:23-24
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
I appreciate how the Psalmist does not give up on God, though he’s been waiting for such a long time, resulting in “failing eyes”. May we have such steadfastness!