Get Real November 16 Devotional
November 16, 2024
1 PETER 3:13-14 | 13 Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? 14 But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated.
MATTHEW 5:10-12 | 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Real witnesses find the blessing hidden in suffering and persecution. Why does a witness generate, inevitably, opposition? Because the gospel asks as to unseat ourselves from the throne, challenging our right to govern our lives independently. Proclaiming Jesus as Lord is a threat to anyone or anything that wants our ultimate loyalty, that commands our devotion. Telling others to entrust their lives now and fate forever into the hands of Jesus is inherently confrontational. Opposition to God is built into the nature of every human heart, and God’s battle with evil becomes our battle too when we become disciples. Many resent God, many misunderstand God or blame God. When we identify with Him, we are impacted by that same blame, that same misunderstanding, and that same resentment.
Notice in Matthew 5:10 and 5:11-12 that being persecuted for righteousness sake and because of Jesus’ name are equivalent.
Have you ever suffered for doing the right thing? For claiming the name of Jesus?
Gracious God,
Help me remember the challenge of the gospel, the revolution it demands in my life, and the lives of others.
Amen.
