July 9 | Matthew 5:3-12

Judy Webb
Jul 9
2 min read

DAILY READING

Matthew 5:3-12

REFLECTION

Rejoice And Be Glad

By Judy Webb

“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...” Matthew 5:11-12

Who ever said that living life as Christian was a piece of cake, never felt the challenge of doing the right thing in a world that celebrates wrong. This upside-down society we live in isn’t a comfortable place to be when trying to do the next right thing. Our neighbors may question why we are so averse to gossip, to cheating on taxes, or to internet gambling, and more. There are many venues we now avoid because of our faith in, and love for Jesus. Jesus says, “Rejoice!”

The 8 Beatitudes are our call from God to practice righteousness; to correct our moral behavior and to be a beacon of light in this dark world. It really is a big deal when we give up our evil ways and follow the blessed path of peace and healing. Our friends from the old days will not understand and they might mock or make fun of our new way of living. They don’t understand us, they no longer know us. Jesus says, “Rejoice!”

When our moral behavior conforms to God’s will, former colleagues may not recognize us, they will avoid us. When we practice this new way of living and teach our children to do the same, we become targets for Satan to aim at. We will be persecuted yet blessed. Once we take this stand, we must be prepared and armed for the slings and arrows some will toss our way. We need to “Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11 NLT) And they will be numerous. The apostles learned this early on in their ministry when confronted by the priests and Sadducees. Jesus says, “Rejoice!”

” The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the name of Jesus.” (Acts 5:41 NLT)

PRAYER

Dear Jesus,

It is because of you and your love for us that we can rejoice. Help us to recognize the times and reasons for this attitude of outrageous joy. When we are persecuted, the first instinct we have it retaliation -- what freedom we have if we can truly rejoice in those moments. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.