Persecution

The final installment of the Beatitudes is concerning persecution. How appropriate this is that the Lord would save this for the last. Each step that was taken to up to this point brought as believers to the point of persecution.

"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 5:10 NKJV

The path to the point of persecution has been a rough one. I am not speaking from personal experience, rather I am identifying with the list given by our Lord.

Poor in Spirit - One must empty himself of all goods and become the beggar, the one in need

Mourning - One must empty himself of all comforts; the Lord must be his only comfort as he grieves over his own state of spiritual being

Meekness - One must come to that place a quite authority, knowing that the Lord has called him to inheritance and chooses to wait on the Lord's timing

Hunger & Thirst - One must come to a place of emptiness, a place the world encourages to fill with sex, drugs and all other sorts of deception; this man chooses rather to fill himself with the things of the Lord, everlasting sustenance

Be Merciful - One must come to a place in his heart where revenge is no longer the forefront of life and thought, mercy and forgiveness has been given to him, so he must, too, offer the same mercy and forgiveness

Be Pure - One must always cleanse his heart. In this world, this man in inundated with nothing but filth. It would be hard for one to remain pure if he tried in his own strength, but he falls upon the Lord for support

Make Peace - One must come to a place where he is at peace with the Lord so he is at peace with the world, therefore he is able to make peace in the world.

Given this list of items, it is no wonder why the Lord tells us that those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake will be blessed. This path, this treasure map that He has lain out is guaranteed to bring one thing, persecution. We are in the world but not of the world. The Lord has designed for us a lifestyle designed to keep us separate.

"It is a gift from God to be allowed to suffer for His namesake." (Spurgeon) Our Lord suffered constant persecution on this earth, so we must suffer as well. May the Lord bless you in your endevors to live a life separated and know this my friend, you are not alone.