Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs
is the kingdom of Heaven
For
theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. What does that mean to you?
Jesus
spoke a lot about the kingdom of Heaven. The first time we read is in Matthew 4
where he says “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The kingdom of heaven is
very near. In the verse we are considering, he says that those who are blessed
by being persecuted for righteousness sake are in possession of the kingdom of
heaven.
Jesus
began the blessings with the promise of the kingdom of heaven and here near the
end of the blessings he promises it again. It seems to me that this may indicate
that what comes between has a significant part in this business of possessing
the kingdom of heaven.
As I
endeavor to incorporate the virtues of the blessings into my life I find
difficulty all around. The old nature wants to stand up and demand that things
not change but remain as they always were. But if I by faith, turn away from
the old ways and pursue the new life in Jesus, that embraces the virtues, I
will suffer, but I will also enter into the kingdom of heaven. It will be mine.
Yesterday
I shared a passage that is especially encouraging. In 1 Peter 1:4 it speaks of
an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled and that does not fade away, which is
reserved in heaven for you.
When
a minor child is provided with an inheritance, there are usually qualifications
to be fulfilled in order to receive that inheritance. This is usually something
like coming of age or completing schooling.
In
the case of the kingdom of heaven, some of the qualifications are set out in
the beatitudes. The gifts or inheritance is explained in the blessings.
As we
believe in Jesus for the forgiveness of sins, let us also believe and enter
into obedience to his words. This is how I can enter into the kingdom of heaven,
this is how I claim my inheritance and it becomes mine.
an
inheritance incorruptible, undefiled and that does not fade away, which is
reserved in heaven for you.
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