ETERNAL TREASURE-THE BLESSED

 

IN the parable of the Sower, the persecuted didn’t understand the word. Therefore, they didn’t know what to do in the time of persecution (Matthew 13:44). But in Matthew 5:12, Jesus tells His disciples what they are to do when persecuted: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and say all matter of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so they persecuted the prophets which were before you.” They were commanded to do what would be considered unthinkable by those who don’t possess the fruits of repentance (Matthew 13:44): Rejoice!

The commandment not only tests whether we possess the fruits of repentance but also the reality of heaven. Unless heaven is real to us before persecution comes, we will be powerless to obey the commandment when it does come and powerless to rejoice over our reward being great in heaven. Paul understood the commandment and wrote, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable” (1 Corinthians 15:19).

            If we obey the commandment and rejoice in the time of persecution, we will be able to obey other commandments related to being wronged: Repay no one evil for evil. Do not be overcome of evil but overcome evil with good. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be defrauded? (Romans 12:17, 21; 1 Corinthians 6:7)

John Fox in his Book of Martyrs writes of the martyrdom of Polycarp the Bishop of Smyrna: “He was brought before the pro-consul, condemned, and conducted to the marketplace. Wood being provided, the holy man earnestly prayed to Heaven.

“O Lord God Almighty, the Father of your beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, by whom we have received the knowledge of you, the God of angels, powers and every creature, and of all the righteous who live before you, I give you thanks that you count me worthy to be numbered among your martyrs, sharing the cup of Christ and the resurrection to eternal life, both of soul and body, through the immortality of the Holy Spirit. May I be received this day as an acceptable sacrifice, as you, the true God, have predestined, revealed to me, and now fulfilled. I praise you for all these things, I bless you and glorify you, along with the everlasting Jesus Christ, your beloved Son. To you, with him, through the Holy Ghost, be glory both now and forever. Amen.”

After being bound to the stake; and as the flames grew vehement, the executioners gave way on each side, the heat becoming intolerable. In the meantime, the bishop sang praises to God in the midst of the flames but remained unconsumed.

Determined, however, to put an end to his life, the guards struck spears into his body, and the quantity of blood that issued from the wounds extinguished the flames. After considerable attempts, they put him to death and burnt his body.”

The person who rejoices in the time of persecution does not depend upon favorable circumstances to be joyful. It is the character of Jesus. “…who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).