“Rejoice and exult, for your recompense will be abundant in heaven; for in this way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

(Matthew 5:12)

Let us begin where Jesus begins in this verse: χαίρετε και ἀγαλλιᾶσθε (chairete kai agalliasthe — “rejoice and exult”!). Understand here that Jesus is using this language in the context of Christian persecution. Our tendency is to want to rejoice and be glad when things are going well, when life is easy and things are “going our way.” Yet, Jesus is speaking about rejoicing under persecution. Why is that? The answer is simple: the persecution of the world is one of the best indicators that we are living out our faith in a manner that is glorifying to God. The world hated Christ so much that it put Him to death; why do you think that it would not also seek to put the followers of Christ to death?

True, in many places of the world, the evil ones threaten believers with knives and guns. And, while that sometimes happens here, in the Western world, more commonly, the devil is more subtle. Here, he attacks with lies and gossip, distraction and pretense. Here, we are surrounded by a frenzy of worldly passion that dumbfounds the spiritually-minded person, leaving many befuddled and stupefied, confounded by folly at every turn when Truth is desired. Jesus said, “This is the way they treated the prophets before you, do understand that there is nothing new under the sun.” Beloved, the Christian should expect to be a voice crying out in the wilderness. Why does it surprise you when we are?

The devastating thing is that not only do individual Christians face this kind of attack; if the church is living its life out as the True Church, it will be persecuted as well. And so, when it happens, rejoice! When persecution raises its ugly face, exult in God! Why? Well, it is the right thing to do. It also testifies that you are likely getting some things right. But Jesus also reminds us that your recompense will be abundant in heaven. What is that recompense? It is not houses and gold as some “prosperity preachers” would suggest. It is, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” What greater recompense could anyone ask for? Further, as Christians, we will witness the enemies of God facing their eternal condemnation. The Bible speaks of that as a time of rejoicing in God (see Revelation 19:1-3), though I suggest that rejoicing will be shaped by our overwhelming recognition of the unmerited grace we have received in Christ.