Word@Work Luke83 - Luke 6:22-23
Published: Fri, 04/16/10
Word@Work from BeaconLight
HAPPY TO BE HATED
Luke 6:22-23 Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets." (NIV)
Nobody likes being disliked. Hatred and malignant anger are not good; but Jesus would submit to them both. The reason He could endure it, and the pain of the cross, was because He knew about the joy beyond the suffering (Hebrews 12:2). The future apostles needed training to tread the same path. Although it was hard enough to think about their Master's distress, and they were scared for their own lives (Mark 14:50), they would soon rejoice in the privilege of persecution for the sake of Christ (Acts 5:41).
So in this first training session, after the Twelve had been called by Jesus, He is blunt about their ministry career prospects. Hated, insulted, excluded, and rejected: that was all part of the apostolic job description (as it would be for Jesus). But they also needed to learn to take the long view of eternity; where horror, hatred and hassle are eliminated for ever. And even more importantly, God will positively reward those who have endured persecution along with Jeremiah, Joseph, Daniel and David ... "great is your reward in heaven!"
Our short term reactions are either controlled by the pain of immediate circumstances, or by the long term view. Jesus said that when the opposition starts, get excited because God has promised far greater blessings in the future Glory. So James says, "Consider it pure joy ... whenever you face trials of many kinds" (James 1:2): and Peter says, "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials" (1 Peter 1:6). The assurance of heaven's reward is an essential part of the Christian's hope. It is an unshakable conviction given by the Holy Spirit to every born again believer, sustaining us in weakness, and enabling us to triumph in trouble.
So you often see those Godly people who suffer being the most serene and those in grief showing most grace. It is an essential part of your Christian witness; indeed that is partly why God allows troubles to come - so that others can see that Jesus lives in you: because you use the long term certainties to control your reactions to short term distress. Let your colleagues at work, today, see what Christ is doing in your heart.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father. I am amazed to realise that Jesus endured so much hostility, grief and pain because He knew the eternal outcome. Thank You that Jesus understands the life I have to lead now; and has planned a great reward for those who stay faithful in the face of persecution. Forgive me for not dealing well with such troubles, and for failing to see Your long term purposes and the treasure You have stored up in heaven for me. Please fill me again with Your Holy Spirit so that I can rejoice despite distress and may my lifestyle be obviously Christ-like so that others will see the effect of having Jesus living in them. For His Name's sake. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Nobody likes being disliked. Hatred and malignant anger are not good; but Jesus would submit to them both. The reason He could endure it, and the pain of the cross, was because He knew about the joy beyond the suffering (Hebrews 12:2). The future apostles needed training to tread the same path. Although it was hard enough to think about their Master's distress, and they were scared for their own lives (Mark 14:50), they would soon rejoice in the privilege of persecution for the sake of Christ (Acts 5:41).
So in this first training session, after the Twelve had been called by Jesus, He is blunt about their ministry career prospects. Hated, insulted, excluded, and rejected: that was all part of the apostolic job description (as it would be for Jesus). But they also needed to learn to take the long view of eternity; where horror, hatred and hassle are eliminated for ever. And even more importantly, God will positively reward those who have endured persecution along with Jeremiah, Joseph, Daniel and David ... "great is your reward in heaven!"
Our short term reactions are either controlled by the pain of immediate circumstances, or by the long term view. Jesus said that when the opposition starts, get excited because God has promised far greater blessings in the future Glory. So James says, "Consider it pure joy ... whenever you face trials of many kinds" (James 1:2): and Peter says, "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials" (1 Peter 1:6). The assurance of heaven's reward is an essential part of the Christian's hope. It is an unshakable conviction given by the Holy Spirit to every born again believer, sustaining us in weakness, and enabling us to triumph in trouble.
So you often see those Godly people who suffer being the most serene and those in grief showing most grace. It is an essential part of your Christian witness; indeed that is partly why God allows troubles to come - so that others can see that Jesus lives in you: because you use the long term certainties to control your reactions to short term distress. Let your colleagues at work, today, see what Christ is doing in your heart.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father. I am amazed to realise that Jesus endured so much hostility, grief and pain because He knew the eternal outcome. Thank You that Jesus understands the life I have to lead now; and has planned a great reward for those who stay faithful in the face of persecution. Forgive me for not dealing well with such troubles, and for failing to see Your long term purposes and the treasure You have stored up in heaven for me. Please fill me again with Your Holy Spirit so that I can rejoice despite distress and may my lifestyle be obviously Christ-like so that others will see the effect of having Jesus living in them. For His Name's sake. Amen.
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