In good company
At the end of the Beatitudes, we have the only couplet that is explained further. For those who don't know, a couplet is a type of poetic verse that contains two lines that complete a thought. In the Bible, we usually find the two lines contrasting with each other--especially in the Proverbs. In the Beatitudes, we find the couplets that are cause and effect. "Blessed are...FOR they shall..."
The last line breaks up the couplet streak by expounding more. The couplet I'm talking about is in verse 10, but the thought continues on into verses 11 and 12.
Looking at righteousness in this way, it seems as though Jesus is talking about persecution that comes about because of our right relationships--particularly with God. But here's the real kicker. It's because of our relationship with God that we allow ourselves to be persecuted in the first place. Here's what I mean.
When I am in right relationship with God, when I live as a citizen of HIS Kingdom, I do things His way. His way is the way of the "peacemakers." His way is the way of the merciful (and we show mercy, not just to people who are our "side," but we show mercy to everyone. Later in Matthew, we'll read that Jesus challenges us to love our enemies and "pray for those who persecute" us.
If I am inclined not to do things God's way, I don't allow myself to be persecuted. For one thing, I might hide or downplay the thing--like a particular belief--I would be persecuted for. Or, on the other hand, I may become "militant" about my beliefs, challenging and fighting against anyone who would dare disagree with me. This second way was the way of the zealots.
The zealots were Jewish freedom fighters. They, like most Jews, were tired of the Roman occupation and believed that God gave them a mandate to fight against their captors. The zealots were also expecting that the Messiah would be a political or military ruler that would overthrow the Romans and against establish Israel as a free nation--God's people. But of course, when Jesus came, He redefined everything they believed about the Messiah
For the zealots, winning was conquering. For Jesus, victory came only in laying down His own life for His "enemies." So when we're persecuted, whatever that persecution is, we don't come out with the gloves on. We love our enemies and pray for our persecutors. When we do, Jesus says we're in good company and great is our eternal reward!
The last line breaks up the couplet streak by expounding more. The couplet I'm talking about is in verse 10, but the thought continues on into verses 11 and 12.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.The second part (verses 11 and 12) are actually an explanation of verse 10. What does it mean to be persecuted? Why should anyone think persecution is something to be celebrated? In an earlier post, we looked at what it means to be righteous. Suffice it to say (if you haven't read it) that righteousness is a relational term. It's not about following rules to the "t." It's about being in right standing with God and the people around us. When we're in perfect relationship with people, we are complete. We are what God intended us to be. When our relationships are broken, we are broken.
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, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Looking at righteousness in this way, it seems as though Jesus is talking about persecution that comes about because of our right relationships--particularly with God. But here's the real kicker. It's because of our relationship with God that we allow ourselves to be persecuted in the first place. Here's what I mean.
When I am in right relationship with God, when I live as a citizen of HIS Kingdom, I do things His way. His way is the way of the "peacemakers." His way is the way of the merciful (and we show mercy, not just to people who are our "side," but we show mercy to everyone. Later in Matthew, we'll read that Jesus challenges us to love our enemies and "pray for those who persecute" us.
If I am inclined not to do things God's way, I don't allow myself to be persecuted. For one thing, I might hide or downplay the thing--like a particular belief--I would be persecuted for. Or, on the other hand, I may become "militant" about my beliefs, challenging and fighting against anyone who would dare disagree with me. This second way was the way of the zealots.
The zealots were Jewish freedom fighters. They, like most Jews, were tired of the Roman occupation and believed that God gave them a mandate to fight against their captors. The zealots were also expecting that the Messiah would be a political or military ruler that would overthrow the Romans and against establish Israel as a free nation--God's people. But of course, when Jesus came, He redefined everything they believed about the Messiah
For the zealots, winning was conquering. For Jesus, victory came only in laying down His own life for His "enemies." So when we're persecuted, whatever that persecution is, we don't come out with the gloves on. We love our enemies and pray for our persecutors. When we do, Jesus says we're in good company and great is our eternal reward!
Labels: beatitudes, enemy love, Jesus, matthew 5, sermon on the mount, zealots
posted by Kory at
10:38 PM
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