While Al Debelak is on vacation, we will be posting devotions from June of 2000.
Text: Matthew 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
If you go back over the beatitutes (Matt. 5:3-10) thus far used in these devotions, remember that the condition of those in verses 3-6 were ones of from the underside. That simply means the powerless, the fringe, the outcast - these shall be blessed in that they will not be forgotten by God. Well, there are now those who are blessed for action. Some will be persecuted because they stand on the side of those who have no power or are pushed down by the world. For justice sake - not for profit...not for the prudent path....For justice sake. Blessed are those who are so committed to God's Reign that it offends the world. Why? God's REign will leave no one out and no one will be used for the benefit of others. God's people are not objects to the moved around and positioned so that others can gain the world. Rather, we are people who object to such objectifying. That is not a pleasing activitiy in the eyes of many. Jesus is so invested in the Reign of God being established, that he faces the cross each day that he eats in the wrong homes and touches the wrong people.
Connection: We are not called to look for persecution. We are called to be loving and grace-filled. Justice is not something "way out there." It is a part of all of our relationships. So, expect to be engaged in acts that witness to the righteousness/justice of God today. Don't think big...think now...think each and every situation you enter.
God of vision and hopefulness, make us courageous so we can put the life of your blessed Reign even as we wander through this day. Keep our eyes fixed on the justice of your Reign. Amen
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