The Way to True Happinessنموونە

Matthew 5:11-12 — Blessed because of the reward

Jesus does not diminish the costs to those who follow Him and urges them to consider the cost in advance: abuse, slander, persecution. Jesus speaks of persecution for the sake of righteousness and the Kingdom of God (Matthew 5:10), and of persecution for His sake (Matthew 5:11). Righteousness cannot be seen apart from Himself. Jesus Christ is righteousness incarnate. We must be prepared for persecution if we want to follow Jesus and live in accordance with Kingdom righteousness. In some countries the persecution of Christians is severe. In the western world, opposition tends to be more subtle or sophisticated, comments in the media can be abusive. That can be painful and it saddens us. But Jesus says: "rejoice and be glad" (Matthew 5:12 ESV). Those who endure scorn and persecution for Jesus' sake, experience closeness and union with the Lord in the present. That makes suffering a special privilege. God rewards those who suffer for His name's sake, and that reward is exceedingly rich, already in this life, and even more glorious in God's future.

“Blessed are you … for your reward is great in heaven”. (Matthew 5:11-12 ESV) This reward is for those who suffer for Jesus' sake. The word here is reward, not payment. Reward is the fruit of following Jesus in the midst of tribulation and persecution. Jesus promises this reward to encourage perseverance. By "reward in heaven" He does not mean only future reward but is making the contrast between heaven and earth. The reward in heaven is stored up there with God, in contrast to receiving honor here on earth with men. The world scorns and persecutes believers, but God accepts them as His children. He protects and makes His face to shine upon them. Those who follow Jesus Christ wholeheartedly do not want to turn back. Don't miss out on the joy and happiness!