Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10
When we see someone enduring persecution for following Jesus – real persecution – we know they are among the blessed. They are citizens and heirs of the kingdom of heaven and are willing to fight for it, even to the point of death.
Paul says, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:12. He should know.
There is an inevitable conflict between the perspectives of those in the kingdom and those of this world. It is seen in how we conduct ourselves and why. I think it is no coincidence that this beatitude follows the peacemakers. The children of God seek for all men to come to peace. But peace is not always made. The reaction towards the blessed is either acceptance of peace - or persecution. The life of one earnestly following God cannot be tolerated by the unrepentant because it exposes futility around it.
Those in the kingdom – the poor in Spirit who have received God’s mercy, who hunger and thirst for righteousness that leads to peacemaking, which ironically leads to persecution – are ultimately reaffirmed as citizens of the kingdom.
This is not about just any persecution, but persecution for righteousness – proclaiming the gospel, praising God, protecting our neighbor, and being peacemakers. We are working for the kingdom because we are part of the kingdom. Suffering FOR the kingdom is evidence we belong TO the kingdom. And it belongs to us. It is ours.
For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, because we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
