blessed. ( Hebrews 12 v 2 - 3 )

'Blessed are those who are persecuted because of  righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven ' ( Matthew 5 v 10 )  Isaiah ,Jeremiah,Daniel,Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego,Stephen,Paul, Peter, Tyndale,Vahid, Benhnam,Mohammed, Alireza, and millions more could be added to this list. The question is what have they all got in common,they are those souls that have been persecuted for righteousness sake.In Luke 6 v 23, our Saviour tells us when we are persecuted for righteousness sake,'Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because  great is your reward in heaven. For this is how their fathers treated the prophets'.For whatever reason I have never been persecuted,it may come,God knows,but the fact is this world has never been a friend  of the church of Christ,and never will be,we should never be surprised at Christians being persecuted. It may sound strange when our Saviour tells us to rejoice and leap for joy,how can one do that,how did Paul and Silas sing and praise God when they were thrown into prison after being beaten,?.The reason was,the future glory,spoken of as a reward by Jesus.Let us remember ,whatever we may be suffering ,whatever persecutions we may be enduring it will be worth it all when we see Jesus.