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. Matthew 5:11-12
“‘Rejoice and be glad’ paraphrases ‘blessed’ and turns it into a virtual act of worship… Believers should experience an ongoing exultant joy when privileged to suffer for the Lord; for the early church suffering was a joy because it meant a special ‘fellowship’ with Christ (Acts 5:41; Phil 3:10; cf. Col 1:24), a new level of union with him… The basic message of the whole NT is that Christ’s followers should expect to face the same hatred and oppression he did. In fact, this is primary fellowship and oneness with him.” [Grant Osborne, Matthew (Zondervan Exegetical Commentary), Kindle, p. 235, 238]
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to daily reflect Jesus’ love, holiness, and mission. When we experience rejection because of your name, may we be filled with supernatural joy through the Spirit as we experience fellowship with Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Let’s worship to the song “Joy of the Lord” by Maverick City Music TRIBL (click here).
– CR