The Bloodstained Road

“God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs” (Matt. 5:10).

 

The gospel of Jesus Christ is pure and honest. It speaks of persecution, insult and of carrying the cross and suffering. Christ never misleads His followers. He didn’t come to make life comfortable for us, but to save us and give us eternal life.

 

For a moment, think about the people Christ is talking to here. They belonged to the then familiar world, and the gospel crashed like a wave over the entire world at a time when Christians were severely persecuted. In their own homes they experienced being cut off from their families if they became Christians. Physically they would suffer torture, torment and death in the cruelest ways.

 

This is how Jesus calls on His followers to take up their cross and follow Him. Will we be willing to stay faithful to Him until death? Will we be able to walk the bloodstained road of the martyrs if it is expected of us? If we are willing, we will be a tremendous encouragement to fellow believers.

 

Nobody ever suffers in vain for Christ. He is always with us, supporting us as He promises in Hebrews 13:5. Inspired and supported by the Holy Spirit, we can endure any suffering for Christ’s sake; He gives us gladness on earth and rewards in heaven.