Have you ever been persecuted for taking a stand for Jesus? Well, if you have, the Bible not only says that you are blessed but it also says you should rejoice! On the surface you may be wondering how can I rejoice and what kind of blessing will I receive when my feelings are hurt, my name is slandered, and in some cases I may even suffer financial hardship, when for example I may lose my job over taking a stand for Christ.
The Scriptures often tie together joy with persecution for the sake of Christ and the gospel. For example, (1 Peter 4:14-16) says: “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” And we read in (Matthew 5:11-12): “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven…”
Notice in the above two sets of verses we are told that when we are persecuted for the sake of Christ we are blessed and can rejoice. May I submit to you that there are three main reasons why you should rejoice.
First, when you take a stand for Jesus you are pleasing the Creator of the universe and I believe you put a smile on God’s face. There is absolutely no better feeling in the world than to please God.
Second, when you are persecuted for the name of Jesus, the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. (1 Peter 4:14). Imagine to have the very Spirit of glory resting on you. I can not think of a more incredible blessing than having God very Spirit of glory rest and surround you. In the last analysis Pastor John MacArthur said it best: “If you please God, it does not matter whom you displease. And if you displease Him, it does not matter whom you please.”1
And third, the Bible tells us that we will receive a great reward in heaven. (Matthew 5:12). I believe this reward will be that we will have a greater capacity to glorify God and enjoy His presence. But there may be other aspects of the rewards we will receive in heaven that are just too amazing to fathom. Either way the idea of receiving a great reward in heaven should excite us and give us great pause to rejoice.
God’s love for us is so great that He sends trials our way to help build our faith so we can give Him more glory as we stand up for Jesus. I can think of no greater privilege than being an ambassador for Christ and helping Jesus build up His kingdom. We should always praise God because we bear the name of Jesus to a lost and dying world. So, when you are persecuted for Jesus’ sake not only should you rejoice and be glad but I challenge you to do what it says in (Luke 6:23): “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven…”
Amen!! Certainly our joy is not dependent upon our circumstances, but pure joy comes from the deep desire to please God and do what is right in obedience to Him. That same joy will give us the strength to overcome any trials we face when we obey God, as the Scripture says “the joy of the Lord is our strength” (Nehemiah 8:10)