Blessed are those who are persecuted. Huh? Persecuted for what? And why? Why is it a blessing to be persecuted? And what is the blessing that’s received? If you don’t know what this is about, it probably sounds like someone’s really into being dumped on. But then, if you’re a regular here, you know what this is about. It’s the conclusion to our series on the Beatitudes.
Blessed are those who are persecuted More
“But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you.”
This is something most Christians would have read. Hopefully, we also remember. But, do we really believe it? Maybe we believe it, as long as it’s for someone else and not for us. You know -NIMBY – not in my back yard. Or even in my neighborhood.
The thing is, Jesus said this would happen. As Christians, how are we supposed to respond when Christians are persecuted? Let’s start by getting some context for the opening line.
But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you More
Does persecution really need to be violent to be effective? Or are we just so “blinded” by ordinary life that we don’t even know what persecution is? Are we actually being violently persecuted – and don’t even “have eyes to see” it? Do we even know what persecution means any more?
Does persecution have to be violent to have an impact? More
