Matthew 5:11-12 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
When was the last time you walked up to someone and asked the following question: Can you please insult me? I imagine the answer is never, for no one likes to be insulted. But what if you were insulted because of your faith? We are taught within the scriptures that beings insulted, ridiculed, persecuted, falsely accused of wrong because of your faith is a good thing. WHAT? How can that be a good thing? When these things happen within our lives, our faith is being recognized in a powerful manner, and for this we will be rewarded. Our faith makes a difference not only within our own lives, but within the lives of those around us. So then where is our reward? There is much confusion today, as many preachers will state that God wants to shower His blessings upon us as we are faithful, but what happened to actually reading and believing what the scriptures say? These verses today tell us that our reward is in Heaven. This is not negating that fact that we shall receive the blessings of God as we walk upon this earth, but the greatest we shall receive is the gift of eternal life in the presence of God, which should be enough. We should not be seeking extras here on earth. We should be living faithfully in anticipation of the opportunity to stand in the presence of God for all eternity.
Prayer Starter:
Lord, bless me as You see fit, for all I desire is to be with You in Heaven. That will be the greatest blessing I shall ever receive.
