You against the "world".

Matthew 5:11

"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me."

When an unbelieving person suddenly decides to turn away from his "old" self and decides to be a believer of Christ, what do most people, especially the ones close to him, often do or say about his decision?

Well, if by God's grace you've been given friends who are Christian, lucky for you because they will support you all the way. As a matter of fact, they'll be full of joy and might even pray for you. But what if they are not like that? What if they are the type of person who likes to live an earthly life and is used doing earthly things with you? More often than not, you'll get questioned, mocked or even persecuted for what you suddenly decided to do.

This is true nowadays. When a person changes his faith and believes in the Lord Jesus Christ, his friends or other people, especially those who are unbelievers will usually ask, "Why"? If they're not satisfied with the answer, they'll try to mock you with words like, "Oh really”? But what's worse is that after mocking you, they might even try to persecute you in terms of saying harsh words like "C'mon, for crying out loud, don't fool yourself". 

It's like you don't have the right to change for the better. They react negatively because you suddenly want to drop off and turn away from your old self. Meaning that you'll be possibly turning away from people who might negatively affect the change you want in your life. People try to find loopholes in your change in attitude and outlook in life for them to be able to persecute and convict you. They find ways to put yourself down and make you realize that you’re just becoming a hypocrite and you can't really change.

As said in other parts of Scripture, Christians will always be persecuted:

John 15:19 - "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."

2 Timothy - "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted."

But for those who struggle with this kind of persecution from others, fear not. For what is said in Matthew 5:11 will strengthen and enlighten you. It tells us that whenever unbelieving people question, mock, or even persecute us, God blesses us in exchange. For when people judge us, they see the change in us. They see Christ in us. This only means that He really changes our way of living, which eventually results to glorifying and pleasing God in the process.

So, if you really want to know God and become a follower his Son, Jesus Christ, then do it. Don't be afraid. Know that judgment from this world is part of your journey in knowing God. Remember that when you suffer for Him, you are blessed and He is glorified. If you're really decided to be a believer, it'll be you against the "world".

Reflect on this: Do you feel like the "world" is against you because of your belief in Jesus Christ? How does God help you in your struggles? Do you feel the blessing of God through your suffering?

Prayer: Oh loving Father, I thank you despite of my suffering. For you know that I suffer in the hands of those who judge me. But even though I struggle, I know this puts glory and honor in Your name. And for that I am blessed as it is said in Matthew 5:11.

Lord, forgive those who wrong You by questioning, mocking or even persecuting me. Instead of letting anger or fear rule over me, fill me with confidence in You. Let me live my life so I could show these people that I am truly a slave of Jesus Christ. Let me be a representative of Christ in everything that I do.

All the glory be to you. Amen.

Our pain compared to His.

1 Peter 3:18

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit."

All through out the day I've felt pain in my mouth. And a lot of it, as a matter of fact. It's like my teeth are going to fall out any moment. Thanks to my newly attached dental braces, I need to endure this kind of pain for quite some time.

As I was thinking about my own description of what pain is, a horrible image suddenly flashed in my mind. A scene of unimaginable pain. A scene of anguish. A scene of suffering. The scene of our Lord, Jesus Christ, at the cross.

Most of us don't know what it feels like to be crucified. And I bet no one wants to experience that kind of thing. No one wants to carry a 300-pound wood and be attached to it by using 7 inch nails. But really, how much pain do you think did our Savior, Jesus Christ, felt when nails were being driven to his flesh? How much suffering did he felt when he has attached to the cross while being mocked and cursed by sinners? What kind of anguish did he felt when he saw his mother crying and when his Father forsaken him?

I cannot even start to comprehend how much pain He went through that moment. And the mere fact that he was sent there to suffer because of my sins makes me feel ashamed. But I'm thinking, was it really the physical torture that caused him so much pain? Or was it because of the sin we people committed to his Father that caused him so much suffering? Personally, I think it's the latter.

Even though we made our Savior suffer and die on the cross, what was said in 1 Peter 3:18 tells us that His suffering was not in vain. He accomplished his task here on this earth. He did that by dying on the cross in order for us to be made right with God again. For us to be closer to his Father, the Lord God, once more. So, how does our pain measure up to what Christ felt? I can even go as far by saying, our pain means nothing.

Reflect on this: Have you ever thought about how much pain you've caused to God? Have you ever asked for His forgiveness?

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for making your Son, Jesus Christ, suffer in my place at the cross. I know that we are unworthy since the beginning, but still, your love for us is greater. It encompasses all understanding. Instead of letting us suffer the penalty of sin, you sent your dearest Son instead. And for that, we are forever grateful and thankful. For you are truly a merciful and loving God.

Forgive me Lord, if I do tend to commit mistakes once in a while. Let me be reminded that my pain is nothing compared to what Jesus felt on the cross. Instead of dwelling in those mistakes, let me live my life looking forward, seeking your forgiveness and grace instead. Let me look at the cross on a whole new perspective: that the cross is not a symbol of death, but a symbol of life and love. All be the glory to you. Amen.