Blessed Are Those Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake
Today’s Verse:
From Matthew 5:10 ESV
(Jesus said) “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Persecution is not a badge of failure. On the contrary, Jesus calls it a sign of blessing. In this Beatitude, He’s not blessing suffering itself. He’s blessing persecution for righteousness’ sake — for standing with God’s truth in a world that hates it.
That can take many forms. Refusing to cut your convictions short at work. Being mocked for your faith. Losing friendships because you won’t go along with what’s popular.
To the world, that’s losing. But Jesus reverses it all. “Theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Not will be — is. In Christ, you already have a place in His kingdom. And that kingdom is not built on power or popularity. It’s built on a crucified Savior who won righteousness for you at the cross.
We don’t pursue persecution. But if we face it, we don’t panic. Because it’s proof we’re on the same path our Lord traveled. The path that takes us through the cross to resurrection. And you’re not on that path alone. The prophets were persecuted. The apostles were beaten. Christ Himself was crucified.
But He rose.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, when I face opposition for following You, give me courage and peace. Help me remember that Your kingdom is mine by grace, and nothing can take it from me. Strengthen me to stand firm in Your truth, with love and boldness. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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