6 Minute Read
Today’s Bible Reading:
Deuteronomy 2:1-3:29
Luke 6:12-38
Psalm 67:1-7
Proverbs 11:27
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Luke 6:22-23 (NLT): “What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way.”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Words are powerful! We like it when others say kind things about us. It makes us feel wonderful when someone compliments us or acknowledges us.
But, it can feel like a dagger has been thrust into our spirit when we hear that someone is slandering us. The last thing we feel like doing when we hear such reports is to “be happy” and “leap for joy.” Yet, Jesus has told us to do this.
But, there are a couple of qualifiers:
First, the bad things said about us must be “because you follow the Son of Man.” That simply means that if we are to rejoice when bad things are said about us, it needs to be because of how seriously we take our life with Jesus.
Maybe we are slandered because we refuse to watch a movie with our friends that contains objectionable material.
Maybe we are slandered for leaving the conversation of a group that is telling dirty jokes.
Maybe we are slandered for defending the truths of the Bible in an academic setting.
Being slandered is a cause for joy ONLY if it is “because you follow the Son of Man.”
Second, our joy comes from the fact that “a great reward awaits (us) in Heaven.” In other words, the Lord is taking note and will reward us when we arrive at our heavenly home.
Within the human heart is a longing for justice. Often, we may feel as if life isn’t fair. Friend, that longing for justice was put in our hearts by God. And justice will be done on the Day of Judgment. When the Lord sees us treated unjustly, He will make it right when we stand before Him. He will reward us for those times that we were unfairly treated.
So, follow Jesus with reckless abandon. Do so with all of your heart, even as it separates you from those around you. If others slander you or mistreat you for your walk with the Lord, their actions are unjust. That just means that you will be rewarded all the more when you stand before Jesus.
Luke 6:22-23 (NLT): “What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way.”
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
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