Matthew shared how Jesus was “baptized” and “tempted” by the “devil”, and he shared how “angels” ministered to Him afterward. Jesus heard that John the Baptist was thrown into prison, and He left His hometown to dwell in “Capernaum” where He began His ministry. Jesus began to preach saying, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”, and He called Peter, Andrew, James and John to be His followers. As Matthew continued to share how Jesus' fame spread throughout Galilee, many other people were gathered unto Him. Matthew added, “And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him, and he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake”, and in chapter five and verse twelve of his book, Matthew shared how Jesus said, “rejoice, and be exceeding glad” where we read:
Rejoice,
and be exceeding glad: for great is your
reward in heaven:
for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
The verse reads, “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven:” Matthew began with the word, “rejoice” which means “be glad, rejoice exceedingly, be well and thrive”, “and be exceeding glad” which means “and exult and rejoice exceedingly and greatly”: “for” or “because, since and on account that” “great” which means “much, large and plenteous” “is your reward” or “is the dues paid, wages, hire and rewards of the person who is persecuted” “in heaven” which means “within the region above the sidereal heavens, the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings”. Jesus told His disciples to “be glad and rejoice exceedingly” because when they suffered “persecution”, they would find a “plenteous reward” in “Heaven”.
The verse goes on to say, “for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Matthew added the words, “for so persecuted they” which means “because, since and on account that in the same manner pressed on, mistreated, put to flight and made to run and flee” “the prophets“ or “the ones who are moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman and solemnly declare to men what they have received by inspiration especially concerning future events and in particular such as relate to the cause and kingdom of God and to human salvation” “which were before you” which means “who lived prior to and in front of the disciples of Jesus”. Jesus told His disciples those who are “persecuted” and like the “prophets” who lived before them.
When we meditate upon Matthew's words in this verse, we see how Jesus promised a “great Heavenly reward” for those who are “persecuted, reviled and lied against” for His sake. God desires a personal relationship with every person, and many times enemies and foes come against them. The eternal promise of God is that those who experience these things shall receive a “reward in Heaven” for their plight. Though their “persecution” shall be horrible upon the earth, it is temporary and God has an “eternal” reward awaiting those who experience these things. May all the “persecuted, reviled and lied against” for Jesus' sake know there is a great eternal plan and “reward” awaiting them.
Next time Jesus tells His disciples, “you are the salt of the earth”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book
“Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the
marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the
Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms
Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County"
in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com
; http://www.barnesandnobles.com
; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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