8th. November. 2021. Daily Devotion.
Matthew 5:10
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
It’s ironic that these verses come immediately after Christ’s call to be peacemakers. We are called to bring healing and hope to a world that desperately needs it. We are on God’s side, trying to serve in the best interests of others.
And yet, people sometimes choose to repay us with anger, hostility, or outright persecution. According to Jesus, it’s not a question of whether this will happen but of when and where it will happen.
Persecution may come in a variety of forms. A snarky comment. A broken relationship. Physical or emotional abuse. Some of you reading this know the pain and the cost of following Jesus. You have lived it, or you might be experiencing it now.
Jesus seeks to encourage us in these difficult moments. When the world fails to understand why we live the way we live, Jesus promises that the kingdom of heaven is ours. If we stand firm and hold to our hope in Christ, we can experience a measure of peace.
That doesn’t mean it doesn’t hurt when people reject us and mistreat us. But, deep down, we have comfort, knowing that God will provide for our every need. And in the end, we will share in his victory over sin. And death. And every enemy.
~ A. J. Gretz
Father, help me to stay faithful in the face of adversity and persecution. Help me to resist the temptation to compromise, and may I continue serving you in hope, trusting in your promise of victory. Amen.
For the Spirit of Prayer
Almighty God, who pours out the spirit of grace and of supplication to all who ask for it; Deliver me, when I draw near to you, from coldness of heart and wanderings of mind, so that with steadfast thoughts and kindled affections, I may worship You in spirit and in truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Prayer of Protection for Those Experiencing Active Persecution
Father, my Miracle-Worker, You hold Your children in Your mighty hands. I want to intercede right now on behalf of my brothers and sisters who are experiencing persecution. Particularly, I remember those who risk every day being raided by authorities. Lord have mercy. Give them the courage to endure. Thank You for their boldness and their faithfulness to You. Help them not to give up. Make them ever more aware of Your presence with them. In Jesus’ mighty, name I pray. Amen.
Prayer for Friends Isolated by a Public Health Crisis
God of Loving Devotion, I pray for my friends who are suffering isolation in their homes because of this public health crisis sweeping our nation. I pray especially for my elderly and single friends who have no one with them in their home and are grieving human touch and hugs. I pray that in Your great compassion You will be with them in a special, tangible way. O Lord, Your understanding knows no limit, and I ask that You minister to their needs, and show me how to bless them from afar. Amen.
