Jesus knew about persecution. He was persecuted, to some degree, his whole three years of ministry. His last year went from bad to worse. His final week was nothing less than total rejection and a complete butchering.

Yet, he said, "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matt. 5:10-12). Another paradox, isn't it? You will be blessed in persecution, he says. Rejoice over persecution?

Jesus also said, "Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for that is how their fathers treated the false prophets" (Luke 6:26). But isn't popularity what we all want? Isn't pleasing people what we are taught by our parents and teachers and friends? Isn't pleasing people what makes us better employees and citizens and mates? And now Jesus is saying there's a big problem when everybody is saying great things about us.

John said, "If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him" (1 John 2:15). Jesus was very displeased with those who, "?loved the praise from men more than praise from God" (John 12:42-43). The fact is, that, "?that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God" (James 4:4). Being a friend to the world makes one an enemy of God.

And if you're a friend of God you will stand against the world's will and way (Rom. 12:2). The world doesn't appreciate that. The world just can't understand that (1 Cor. 2:14). The world will persecute you for righteousness sake?for your "right" relationship with God?and believe they are doing it for the good. If you, by faith, do God's will, you will meet with persecution along the way. Jesus says you will be blessed in it and that you should rejoice. James says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance" (James 1:2-3). There's just one of many blessings that comes from persecution.

Paul understood persecution. And he certainly knew by experience that, "Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Tim. 3:12). Paul understood and wanted us to understand that persecution in this life is the cost of standing with God.

Persecution for righteousness can come in many forms?subtle and/or overt rejection, discrimination, harassment, ridicule, loss of opportunities, hatred, slander, and even suffering and death. Unless we understand the inevitability of persecution, when it comes, our reactions might be the wrong ones. We just might think there's something wrong and lapse into self-pity and confusion. We might lash back rather than return evil for evil. We might think about leaving God because he's letting us get treated badly.

But remember, Jesus took it on the chin more than any. He did it for us. And thus, "God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name?" (Phil. 2:9). So remember, "Great is your reward in heaven."