All Saints Day: Gospel, Matthew 5:1-12                                 

Matthew 5:1-12

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Matthew 5:10-12 (NKJV)

I have taken liberty to focus our attention on the closing verses in this week’s gospel. You and I live in an increasingly contentious environment as it relates to being people of faith. Not to be glum, but I anticipate it getting much worse over time. For the coming of our Lord for His church is nearer by the day. And the Scripture is clear that the closer we get to the blessed hope, the more challenging the days will be for God’s Christians.

Persecution is cited in the text above. Evil words, evil and false accusations, and attacks upon righteous living will be the order of the rest of our days and those of our children. Jesus gives us our response. Watch the news today and Christians everywhere are “offended” with the way the church is treated and the way Jesus is often spoken of. While I don’t like this situation, what do Christians expect? Are we surprised by such treatment? Do we actually believe the world will “respect” our Savior? Dear old Dr. Mitchell at the seminary used to say, “Never forget the world hates Jesus Christ.” Oh, they will feign respect and use flowery language about Him. But inside they seeth that some lowly Jewish carpenter would pronounce them guilty of sin while offering them His forgiveness.

Take heart dear Christian. No matter what comes our way, think not that Jesus needs defending. Oh yes, stand for and with the truth. But Jesus isn’t needy. In anything or any way. Jesus stands and Jesus reigns because Jesus is risen. And when we stand on that truth, we stand as Jesus says, with “the prophets who were before you.” Take heart as I said. For in that day we are in good company.