The Discipleship Dare Day Twenty - Rewards

Published by Angela | Filed under Discipleship Dare

“Yea!  Hip Hip Hooray!  Praise God we’re being persecuted.”
I know you think I’m crazy but that’s what Matthew 5:11-12 is telling us.  Rejoice and be glad in the face of insults, false reports, intimidation, and all kinds of persecution because great will be your reward in heaven.

The rewards in heaven cannot be stolen by thieves, tarnished by the weather or diminished by our economy.  Those rewards are safe and sure.  Jess says, “the most important wealth to accumulate on earth will be received in heaven.”Americans aren’t the best at waiting for rewards.  As parents we know that we must reward our children quickly for their good attitudes or behavior. 

However, the reward of joy, peace of mind, and the blessing of God’s favor are the rewards we receive daily as we impact our culture with godly character.Our attitude should not be one of anger at the injustice of persecution, or dread of the affects of persecution, but joyful anticipation of what is coming next.  It is our privilege to endure persecution for the Kingdom of God.

Persecution is a sign that our godly character is showing.  Enduring persecution can be convicting to unbelievers.  Suffering persecution identifies us with the cloud of witnesses talked about in Hebrews 12 and with Jesus.  We’re in good company when we are persecuted.  Smile, no matter how badly the persecution becomes, we know the end of the story.

Lord, give us grace for persevering joyfully through all forms of persecution.  Let us not be intimidated but empowered and encouraged to keep on doing good works for you.