Matthew 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
James Elliot, a Christian missionary, was killed along with his four friends in their attempt to evangelise the Huaorani people, a violent savage tribe of Ecuador. What made him and many like him lay down their lives for Christ? They joyfully followed the path of their Saviour, who said, Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends (John 15:13).
Jesus calls those persecuted for His name as blessed. His way of living is usually radical and contradictory to the world. If we want to live for God, we must be willing to say and do what seems strange to the world. When we make intentional efforts to follow kingdom principles, opposition will arise (2 Timothy 3:12). We are often misunderstood, mocked, sidelined, hurt or even killed.
So, how do we face persecution? Stand in the strength of the Lord. Remain faithful to the Lord despite the hardships (Acts 14:22). The benefits of suffering are that it takes our eyes off earthly rewards, gives us greater sensitivity to God’s presence, exposes superficial faith, strengthens those who endure, and is an example to others who follow. It reveals whether our commitment to Christ is genuine or just skin-deep.
A few years after Jim Elliot’s death, his wife, Elizabeth, went to the Huaorani people and shared the gospel. The sacrificial lives of the martyrs led the tribe, including their murderers, to understand God’s love. God can turn the evilest things around for good, for His purpose!
“He is no fool who gives that which he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.” – Jim Elliot
