April 6, 2004	Read Matthew 5: 10
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
LOYALTY FINDS FAVOR A lot of people will feel that this reading does not apply to them -- that they have never been persecuted because of their faith.  I would like to define a few of these terms for you so that you can apply the Good News of this last Beatitude to your daily life. Blessed: Being held in reverence; enjoying the gifts of Heaven. Persecuted: To cause to suffer; to oppress, aggrieve, outrage, molest, bait, heckle, or torment. Righteousness:  Acting in accord with divine or moral laws.  The Kingdom of Heaven:  The establishment of God’s rule in the hearts and lives of his people which was brought about by Christ’s entry into the world.  The removal from the world of all the consequences of sin and the creation of a new order of peace. As a church, Reformation has continually been persecuted for our belief that all who wish to be members of our church should be welcomed and loved.  We have been picketed, harassed, heckled and baited beyond all reasonable understanding.  Yet, we have remained steadfast.  We have remained true to Matthew 7:1:  “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” I also believe that most of us are persecuted in the work environment.  How many can actually say that it is easy to be openly Christian in our workplace?  I know that I personally have been looked down on and called “One of those church people!”  How many of you can say that, when you receive a Christian E-Mail, you can pass it on without being extremely careful who you send it to?  Righteous living is sometimes offensive to non-believers.  That is a fact of life.  If you have stood up and proclaimed yourself as a Christian to those people, you have acted righteously.  Remember, you are blessed and you WILL receive the Kingdom of Heaven.  Stay strong in your beliefs.  Persecution isn’t so bad, as long as God is on your side. Lord, please keep us strong in the face of adversity and persecution.  Help us to remember that you want us to proclaim the miracle of your Son in all places.  Allow us to see ourselves as blessed by you daily until one day we join you in the kingdom of Heaven.  AMY KEITH

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