Devotion 7/20, The Joy Of The Lord Is My Strength
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”. Matthew 5:10
Suffering for our own mistakes tends to be a source of shame. But to suffer for the sake of righteousness (because we are followers of Jesus) is a cause for joy in the Lord. The Lord’s prophets and apostles who lived before us suffered many kinds of humiliations for the sake of righteousness and justice—just because they were trying to live God’s way. Jesus, likewise, was persecuted for doing good and teaching about the kingdom of God.
The apostle Paul says that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Timothy 3:12). So we can expect to face some kind of suffering as Jesus’ followers. But, as Paul also teaches, “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). The happiness we enjoy now is just a prelude to our eternal happiness in the Kingdom of Heaven!
Lord, despite the difficulties we may face, fill our hearts with peace and happiness in serving you, knowing we will live with you forever! Amen.
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