Happy Friday! It’s time for your daily devotional. As a believer, you’ll face persecution, but there’s always something better to look forward to. The apostles rejoiced when persecuted because they were honored to follow Jesus and to proclaim the gospel. Jesus introduced it, and His disciples are taking it to the ends of the earth. In today’s daily devotional, on the other side of persecution, promise, presence, and power await.
There’s a Promise Attached
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught spiritual principles before a diverse crowd. Unlike the scribes and Pharisees who quoted earlier rabbis and relied on the elders’ traditions, Jesus represented one Lawgiver and taught righteousness of the heart without needing man’s endorsement. In Matthew 5:10, He addresses the persecution of believers: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus makes it clear the righteous will be persecuted, but there’s another promise attached. They will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. In other words, your future is filled with wonders your eyes haven’t seen, and your ears haven’t heard. In Romans 8:18, Paul proclaims, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
You might be thinking, “What about NOW?” Jesus says emphatically that those who’ve given up much for the gospel will receive “manifold more in this present time.” In your daily devotional, there’s a promise and present-day reward for the righteous.
Blessed and Rewarded
Not only does Jesus call believers who’ve been persecuted “blessed” and rewarded in God’s kingdom, but He also assures them of His presence. You may not think persecution and blessings co-exist. But it depends on how great your revelation of God is. When you know that He is the Great I Am, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, the Sustainer of life, and you’re in His plans and care, you’ll rejoice like the apostles. Before Jesus ascended, He promised His disciples He would be with them always. In this daily devotional, take comfort in Jesus being with you. His love for you and His presence are everlasting.
He Provided a Comforter
Jesus didn’t leave you comfortless; He provided a Comforter, who would not only be with you but also in you. The Holy Ghost is your internal teacher and guide. He teaches you about Christ and guides you into all truth. He even helps you to pray. In Romans 8:26, Paul declares that believers don’t always know how to pray as they ought, but the Holy Ghost intercedes for them at those times. Moreover, Jesus declared you’d receive power when the Holy Ghost comes upon you.
On the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Ghost fell on the believers, they were spiritually empowered. Peter, who’d denied Christ, preached the gospel boldly before a multitude, with 3000 joining the church. The apostles preached the word everywhere. The sick were healed, and miracles, signs, and wonders marked their ministry. In your daily devotional, don’t wrestle with the whys of persecution; focus on doing God’s will, and trust Him to take care of the rest.
God Is Always With You
In Friday’s daily devotional, don’t be anxious about tomorrow, for God is always with you. Your life as a believer is balanced when you’re Christ-centered. One songwriter wrote, “It may look like I’m surrounded, but I’m surrounded by You.” In today’s daily devotional, your adversary’s future is filled with catastrophe, but yours with joy. Promise, presence, and power are yours for eternity.
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