June 16: Enjoying His Peace.
HIS VIEWPOINT.
"Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."--Matthew 5:12
In my travels, I like to watch how children behave in planes because their perspective usually doesn't match that of adults. Not long ago, I was on a flight that encountered serious turbulence. Some children were really enjoying the air instability; every time the plane went up and down, they made joyful sounds as if they were on a roller-coaster ride. In the meantime, all the adults were anxiously looking around. The presence and care of their parents allowed these children to rejoice when everyone else was worried and anxious.
Faith is trusting a different reality in the middle of the storm, because our Kinsman-Redeemer watches over us and has revealed to us how the story ends. The Beatitudes, spoken by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, offer a heavenly viewpoint about the circumstances that we face here on earth. "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me" (Matthew 5:11). Blessed when persecuted, insulted, and falsely accused? He continues: "Rejoice and be glad for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (verse 12). Jesus offers a different perspective. Throughout the ages, the followers of Christ have encountered opposition and discomfort. Even the great men of old, such as Moses, Elijah, David, and Jeremiah, often cried out to God in despair as they faced enemies and foes. Yet they were strengthened by God, trusting that their trials served a greater and divine purpose, and that His presence was with them (take a moment to read their stories in Hebrews 11). Insults and opposition are to be received with rejoicing, for we are called to be witnesses in the redemption history of humankind. Heaven awaits those who have trusted in the merits of Christ, even to the point of extreme suffering. Difficulties and struggles may be part of the storms of this life, yet Jesus has offered us heaven's viewpoint: "In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
My Response:_________________________________________________________
HIS VIEWPOINT.
"Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."--Matthew 5:12
In my travels, I like to watch how children behave in planes because their perspective usually doesn't match that of adults. Not long ago, I was on a flight that encountered serious turbulence. Some children were really enjoying the air instability; every time the plane went up and down, they made joyful sounds as if they were on a roller-coaster ride. In the meantime, all the adults were anxiously looking around. The presence and care of their parents allowed these children to rejoice when everyone else was worried and anxious.
Faith is trusting a different reality in the middle of the storm, because our Kinsman-Redeemer watches over us and has revealed to us how the story ends. The Beatitudes, spoken by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, offer a heavenly viewpoint about the circumstances that we face here on earth. "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me" (Matthew 5:11). Blessed when persecuted, insulted, and falsely accused? He continues: "Rejoice and be glad for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (verse 12). Jesus offers a different perspective. Throughout the ages, the followers of Christ have encountered opposition and discomfort. Even the great men of old, such as Moses, Elijah, David, and Jeremiah, often cried out to God in despair as they faced enemies and foes. Yet they were strengthened by God, trusting that their trials served a greater and divine purpose, and that His presence was with them (take a moment to read their stories in Hebrews 11). Insults and opposition are to be received with rejoicing, for we are called to be witnesses in the redemption history of humankind. Heaven awaits those who have trusted in the merits of Christ, even to the point of extreme suffering. Difficulties and struggles may be part of the storms of this life, yet Jesus has offered us heaven's viewpoint: "In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
My Response:_________________________________________________________
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