Blessed are the Persecuted (Jn 15:20-16:4, Mt 5:10-12)
Intro
Story of Chuck McIlhenny at First OPC, San Francisco (see the movie "Shakytown").
Exposition
Beatitudes: characteristics & blessedness of those who possess kingdom (inclusio from vs 3 & 10). Law of end-stress applies. Last beatitude taken up in vs 11-12 & made personal ("you") & specific ("revile ... say all manner of evil). This is what we all face (2Tim 3:12, Acts 14:22).
"You will not get leave to steal quietly to heaven in Christ's company without a conflict or a cross" (Rutherford)
A. 2 important qualifications
1. "Falsely"
Often, germ of truth in criticism. "Wisdom is not just pursuing the best ends, it's pursuing them in the best way" (S. Ferguson, Ephesians). Insofar as what they're saying is false & abuse is reaction to righteousness or Christ, there's great blessing which should make you rejoice (cf Acts 6:15).
2. "For righteousness'/My sake"
May be because we don't love our neighbor as ourselves. No matter how loving, honest, consistent, sensitive, forthright you are, world will hate you w/o cause for His sake (cf Jn 15:18-25, see Pink, Gospel of John, ad. loc., Acts 5:41-42).
B. 3 Reasons for Exceedingly Great Rejoicing
1. "For theirs is the kingdom of heaven"
Cf Jn 15:18-20, 2Tim 3:12, Acts 14:22
2. "For great is your reward in heaven"
Consider the reward. See Heb 11:26, cf Heb 11:6, Heb 12:2, Mt 25:21
3. "For so they persecuted the prophets who were before you"
We the excellent company of men & women throughout history, of whom the world was not worthy (see Acts 7:52, Mt 23:35, Jn 16:1). |
