Blessed are the Persecuted

by Jake Kirchner, former Connections Pastor

If Jesus were to give this Beatitude today, He might say something like:

When you are mocked or ridiculed for living a life that honors God, you gain insight into what is lasting and undiminished both in this life and the life to come.

When you are faithful to your commitment to God, no matter the negative consequences that come your way, you discover a keen awareness of how to flourish here and now, regardless of the circumstances you find yourself in.

When you make your connection to God your top priority and your desire to honor Him outweighs your desire to be accepted by others, you will see and hear how God is moving and working in the world around you.

When you make choices that set things right—with you and God, you and others, you and your world—you won’t have to wait for life after death. You will experience life that is truly life now.

There may come a time when you lose something because of your faith—when ease and comfort are taken away from you because of your love for God. Don’t let it get to you because in those moments, you will have access and insight into the eternal movement of your Creator.