Good Trouble Series

In 2014, ISIS began to retake territory around Mosul, Iraq. Militant began singling out Christians by marking the Arabic letter “n” [IMAGE] on homes and businesses.

It stands for Nazrani or, Nazarene, the arabic word for “Christian.”

A not-so-subtle to convert or be killed.

History is filled with examples of groups being singled out for their beliefs. From the mid 20th century, we remember the Jews of Europe being forced to wear a yellow Star of David [IMAGE].

Symbols, used in this manner, are intended to pursue, harass, intimidate. They give others the “permission” to do the same.

Sometimes, a certain group is relatively easy to identify: race, language, style of clothing.

Often it is not. In the US, we are, at this point, highly unlike to be singled out for our faith by spray paint on our homes or by being forced to wear a cross on our clothing.

In fact, our primary symbol of faith has been appropriated and stripped of its meaning by most who choose to wear a cross.

This context creates difficulty in figuring out what to make of the last blessing that Jesus pronounces in the Beatitudes.

We have taken time to hear from Jesus to find out what pleases God. What it looks like to follow Him in this life. We know more about the character and quality of a Christian as well as the outcomes we can expect.

to recap:

Matthew 5:3–10 NLT

3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 4 God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. 6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. 7 God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. 9 God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. 10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.

With this final beatitude, blessed are the persecuted, we make think we’re getting a pass. We’re not often bothered by others in our faith.

This belief, in my estimation, gets the meaning of the beatitude wrong.

Briefly:

Blessed = approved of, favored by, God. God is pleased.

Persecuted = pursued by, harassed

Righteousness = the quality of being judged “right.” Being right with God in our head-hands-heart.

Kingdom of Heaven = the sovereign rule of God now and forever.

Jesus tells us that:

God is pleased when our behavior reflects His will. At times, we will be in conflict with the world because we follow Jesus.

The Believer’s Reality

Jesus repeatedly warned His followers that there would be conflict because they chose to be His disciples.

Matthew 5:11–12 NLT

11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. 12 Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.

John 15:18–20 NLT

18 “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. 19 The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. 20 Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you.

The early church experienced persecution from the very beginning.

Acts 8:1–3 NLT

1 Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the regions of Judea and Samaria. 2 (Some devout men came and buried Stephen with great mourning.) 3 But Saul was going everywhere to destroy the church. He went from house to house, dragging out both men and women to throw them into prison.

The Result of Their Lifestyle

Immediately following the beatitudes, Jesus tells the disciples that their job is to reflect these beatitudes (Jesus’ life) in their world. It is supposed to make a difference.

Matthew 5:13–16 NLT

13 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. 14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.