Blessed are the Persecuted

Blessed are you if you live out (and speak out) the Gospel and are persecuted:

Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets. Luke 6:26

Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account . . . for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11-12

Ray Ortlund wisely reminds that the Bible warns us against “an unhealthy craving for controversy” (1 Timothy 6:4) and guides us toward “the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Timothy 6:3). That is true. But a worshipful, hyper-focus on Christ might not keep you out of controversy. It might take you there.

When Jesus said, “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you,” he didn’t mean it’s wrong to be popular. He did mean it’s wrong not to be prophetic. His “Woe” falls on those who turn their backs on the true demands of the gospel rather than turn their backs on the false demands of people.

It would be nice to know that if you lift up Christ in a loving, biblical way, everyone will love you. But sadly, some will oppose you, because their hearts are enthralled by other passions. Some people will not understand you and will have “concerns” about you; they may even turn their backs on you.

When the Lord leads you into this difficulty, you will suffer. It will hurt. But remember this crucial truth: He is saving you from the “Woe” of Luke 6:26 and giving you the “Blessed” of Matthew 5:11-12. Whatever others may say, Jesus speaks well of you.