THE ANCHOR OF JOY
Quote for Today
“Now the trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed.”
- C.S. Lewis
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WORD FROM THE HOLY BIBLE FOR TODAY
Matthew 5:11
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.”
REFLECTION
THE SECRET OF INVINCIBLE JOY
“Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20)
Jesus revealed a secret that protects our happiness from the threat of suffering and the threat of success. That secret is this: Great is your reward in heaven. And the sum of that reward is enjoying the fullness of the glory of Jesus Christ (John 17:24).
Jesus protects our happiness from suffering when he says,
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.” (Matthew 5:11–12)
Our great reward in heaven rescues our joy from the threat of persecution and reviling.
He also protects our joy from success when he says,
“Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20)
The disciples were tempted to put their joy in ministry success. “Even the demons are subject to us in your name!” (Luke 10:17). But that would have severed their joy from its only sure anchor.
So Jesus protects their joy from the threat of success by promising the far greater reward of heaven. Rejoice in this: that your names are written in heaven. Your inheritance is infinite, eternal, sure.
Our joy is safe. Neither suffering nor success can destroy its anchor. Great is your reward in heaven. Your name is written there. It is secure.
Jesus anchored the happiness of suffering saints in the reward of heaven. And he anchored the happiness of successful saints in the same.
And thus he freed us from the tyranny of worldly pain and pleasure — worldly suffering and worldly success.”
- By John Piper. © Desiring God Foundation.
THE ANCHOR OF JOY
THE SECRET OF INVINCIBLE JOY
Matthew 5:11 reminds us that as Christians, we may face opposition, criticism, and even persecution for our faith. However, Jesus calls us "blessed" in these moments, assuring us that our reward in heaven is great. Instead of responding with resentment or fear, we should rejoice and remain steadfast, knowing that we are following in the footsteps of Christ and the prophets before us. This verse encourages us to trust in God's justice, show love to our enemies, and stand firm in our faith, even in the face of trials.
Neven MacEwan
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a humble heart, seeking Your strength, wisdom, and courage. Your Word tells me that I am blessed when I face trials, persecution, and false accusations for the sake of Christ. Yet, Lord, in my weakness, I struggle to endure. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, that I may respond with love instead of anger, with faith instead of fear, and with joy instead of despair. Help me to stand firm in Your truth, knowing that my reward is in heaven. Give me the power to forgive those who wrong me, to pray for those who persecute me, and to shine Your light even in the darkest moments. Lord, I trust in Your justice and Your promises. Strengthen my heart, and let me walk boldly in Your grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Neven MacEwan
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