"Blessed Are The Persecuted" or "How Bold Are We, Really?"

Matthew 5:10-12
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of God. Blessed are you when they revile you and persecute you and say all kinds of evil things against you falsely for my sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in Heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

There will always be God haters, and people that hate the one true God will hate those who follow Him most closely. Those believers who walk with Christ in their hearts are already experiencing at least a bit of the Kingdom of God in their lives, and they are taking it to those they are around. Believers that care for others make a difference, and show the compassionate side of Christ that most outsiders never see or consider. (See “Teaching-Preaching-Healing” from 6/29).

“Theirs is the Kingdom.” The model prayer reminds us that the Kingdom is the Father’s. This tells us that it will one day belong to those who follow. Awesome promise.

Persecution or rejection comes to those who are living an unapologetic life for Christ. If there is not enough evidence showing, our lives get little attention. Perhaps it could be stated this way:
"Blessed are you when you get persecuted because you just won’t shut up about the Truth."
"Blessed are you when you are reviled (etc.) because you act and speak so much like Jesus that you make the anti-God ones a feel uncomfortable (or, possibly, convicted)."

This passage seems to imply the greater the persecution, the greater the reward. If so, that may mean believers in parts of the world hostile to the Way may well live in the “Beverly Hills” of heaven while us westerners may live in the Condo section – but they will be very nice condos. 

The faith and boldness of believers in other parts of the world challenges me. I read yesterday of two Congolese pastors who go into the forest to share the gospel with rebel soldiers. Very dangerous, but they are certain God has called them to go. (I'll have more to say about this in my message tomorrow.) There is something about sharing your faith when it could cause you to get shot or your throat slit that is far beyond what I could imagine.

How bold are we, really?

Update
Numbers are still okay, so we may be on to something with the dosage of the maintenance chemo. My visit to both doctors, (Emory and Augusta) were mostly giving blood. I'll know my test results from Emory in about ten days. I see my local oncologist on Friday for my monthly visit. Overall, I feel good. That is a result of your prayers! Thank you.