Our Scripture reading today is Matthew 5:10-12.
Verse 12, "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."
In Matthew chapters 5-7, the Lord Jesus Christ is delivering His sermon on the mount. We just read a few verses at the beginning of the sermon that are a part of the beatitudes. It is clear from these verse that persecution for Jesus Christ brings with it a reward in heaven. Even before the preaching of this sermon there had been those who were persecuted for their faith in the one true God.
Persecution continues today in many countries around the world. The underground church is alive and well in many places. However, they know that the next meeting could always be the their last meeting if the authorities were to find them. Imprisonment, beatings and even death are becoming more common as we draw closer to the return of our Saviour. While in North America we still have great religious freedoms, these freedoms are starting to be challenged. Before complaining, we should be rejoicing. Before complaining, we should be praying for others who have it far worse than what we perceive to be suffering and persecution.
God is still and always will be on the throne!