Matthew 5:11-12 “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
“God rewards those who seek Him diligently.”
The dictionary definition of rewards says that “rewards are incentives, gifts, or benefits given in recognition of an achievement, service, or desired behavior”.
Great rewards follow persecution for the sake of the gospel and the name of Christ our King. Persecution is not pleasant or pleasurable. Persecution, slander, false accusation for the sake of our Lord is very painful but Jesus said, when we are oppressed, insulted or ostracized as we preach the Gospel, our divine reward points multiply in many folds. While reward is an additional benefit, great reward is abundant, exceptional and weighty. While heaven is going to be a fabulous place, the great rewards that accompany those who are persecuted will be beyond human comprehension.
The early apostles had understood this truth thoroughly and rejoiced when they were imprisoned, threatened and slogged for the sake of accentuating the name of Jesus. Paul the Apostle, wrote the Epistle of Joy, the book of Philippians, from a Roman dungeon. When he wrote the letter, he was in home arrest and chained to a Roman soldier. His movements were restricted and he was awaiting trial before Caesar. From the prison of uncertainty and suffering he wrote ‘the profound joyful advice’ to the church of Phillipi, “Rejoice in the Lord always” — Philippians 4:4.
When we are rejected for the sake of Christ, we must learn to rejoice. When rebuffed and repulsed – celebrate, for your reward is great in heaven. When we are persecuted on earth for the truth, we can be rest assured that we have unfathomable surprises in heaven.
Great Rewards:
- Rejected: The envious will insult and reject us for preaching the gospel and living a Christ-centered life. Practice rejoicing when persecuted.
- Refused: Many times, people will close their doors to the truth. Refusal by people multiplies our divine rewards.
- Repulsed: Truth is not always welcomed. When repulsed – rest in Him.
“Suffering persecution accumulates great rewards in heaven.”
Prayer: Loving Father, when I am rejected, persecuted and ostracized, help me not to be offended but to rejoice in you. Amen.
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