Devo for 10/13/2024 service- Message by Pastor Clint Sprague
This past Sunday, Pastor Clint finished out the Beatitudes with, without a doubt, the toughest one for us to follow, Matthew 5:10-12:
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “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.
We know that all of the Beatitudes can be uncomfortable to follow, but this one, in the flesh, just feels unfair. But we know it is not about being fair; it is about being obedient and glorifying God! For this, we get blessings and are rewarded!
But let’s dive in on one of Pastor Clint’s points: “Persecution is part of following Jesus.” I think we can all agree this means, as Jesus followers, people will persecute us BECAUSE we are followers of Jesus. Although I don’t think many of us start our day saying, “Boy, I hope I find a new person to persecute me today!”, how many of us, during our day, go out of our way to avoid being persecuted because we follow Jesus? Do you “hide” your faith at work, among strangers, or among non-Christian friends? Are there people who you feel it is not worth the effort and flak you will get if you try to share with them?
This is a tough question to present as it may strike close to home. Please understand that there is no intention of condemnation in those questions. Remember, our God is full of grace, and we need only look at Peter to see it. Although he denied Jesus multiple times, even to the point of lying, Jesus forgave Peter at the moment the denial happened. In Luke 21:61, after the rooster crowed, it says, “The Lord turned and looked at Peter.” It goes on to say Peter wept bitterly, but I believe his weeping was not out of shame but thanksgiving. I make this statement based on the character of Jesus, who is full of love, grace, and forgiveness. I think Jesus’ character is such that He looked at Peter in a way that filled his soul with love and forgiveness and healed his heart of any brokenness from his denial. As we know from the rest of the story, Peter went on to spread the Good News and receive the blessings and rewards of God.
We don’t need a “denial” moment as impactful as Peters to gain the courage to share our faith. We just need to walk in obedience and accept that persecution is a part of following Jesus. Then, open our hearts to what the Father has for us. Here is a verse that can guide us. I also added some of my thoughts behind each part.
“Be alert, stand firm in the faith, act like a man, be strong.” 1 Corinthians 16:13
Be alert (Let God show you opportunities to share the Good News),
Stand firm in the faith (Know that it is not up to you; He will guide your thoughts and words),
Act like a man (Men of God walk boldly and without fear),
Be strong(No weapon formed against me can prosper!).”
Men, our families, and friends need to know how much we love Jesus. In my last job, I earned a reputation because of my faith. I was laughed at behind my back and to my face. More than once, I heard, “Stay away from Tim; he will take you to the dark side.” But I stood firm and asked God to use me. Almost every week, sometimes more often, men would come into my office, beat down, hurt, feeling lost, and asked for help. I was able to share my faith and plant seeds that God could sow.
So, how are you doing? I encourage you to take the time and ask Father to show you where you can grow in this. Then go out into the world, stay alert, stand firm, be the man, and stay strong!
Don’t forget to invite God into your day!
2 Corinthians 5:18-20
Matthew 28:19-20
Mark 16:15