24 But woe to you who are rich, because you have
received your comfort. 25 Woe to you who are full now, because you will be hungry.
Woe to you who are laughing now, because you will mourn and weep. 26 Woe to you
when all people speak well of you, because this is the way their ancestors used
to treat the false prophets. ~ (Luke 6:24-26, HCS)
What a contrast we are seeing here from the previous
verses from Luke 6:20-23. Jesus describes the B-attitudes telling about how
blessed the poor, the hungry, and those who weep would receive God’s blessings.
Jesus goes on the say how those who are hated, excluded, reviled and defamed
because of the Son-of-Man should rejoice in those times of hardship and trouble
that their reward is great in Heaven because that is what their ancestors did
to the prophets.
When we embrace Jesus and His path is now our
path, when the Holy Spirit directs us in how we live, love and worship there
will be those who will not speak well of us. This is part of God’s process when
you are chosen out of this world and also comes with the environment of devotion
to Christ. We should not be surprised or panic after all this is how Jesus was regarded.
Most people celebrated Jesus for His commanding instruction except for a group who
were resentful towards Christ always-sneaking close by. Christ authentic life rebuked
their deceptiveness. Jesus transparent instruction made the didactics of the
religious leaders look incomprehensible and restraining.
“Blessed are you when people hate you, when they
exclude you, insult you, and slander your name as evil, because of the Son of
Man.” ~ (Matthew 6:22, HCS)
Insults, slanderous remarks, hatred directed at
you are all part of the process we must endure as a Christ follower. If we try
to appease everyone we run the risk of sending the wrong message, a watered
down message that serves no one. If we allow others to influence Christ Word by
intimidation, we will soon become insecure, apprehensive and beaten. Trying to
please everyone is impossible it is fruitless and serves no one. Serving Christ
is about spreading the Good News that is Christ. If we allow His message to be
changed to meet what culture is doing or the appease others then it is no
longer Christ Word it is the word of the world and we as Christians (Christ
Followers) should know what that means because we know that this world is a
dying world that desperately needs Christ Word.
“But Jesus said to them, "You don't know
what you're asking. Are you able to drink the cup I drink or to be baptized
with the baptism I am baptized with?” ~ (Mark 10:38, HCS).
There will always be those persistent malcontents,
their insubstantiality lust for attention, their ego thrives being center stage
and their agony necessitates consideration. Their anguish has poisoned their
judgment grievously making you the subject of their resentment. It is only in God’s
grace that we can love them through these trying times. It is the knowledge of
Christ that we know the truth and can be and do better.
We can be the unselfish love they have refused to
show us. Our forbearance and mercy will speak more to them pointing toward
Jesus, it is our actions not our words that points to the One Who Saves. Our
life validates what we say in these times of need. Do not become angry or
argumentative when people speak harshly of you. Remember that they do not have
an understanding of our words or actions because they do not have Christ.
What is important is what Christ has done
for us changing the way God sees us. By faith, God accepts us in Christ. Our continuing
journey and a maturing of faith is what our Father desires. It is not about trusting
God more or fear men less. God wants us to be in a loving relationship with Him,
a relationship that is intimate, (in-to-me-see), engaging and enlightening. His
affection is your affirmation.
It is more likely than not that someone will misunderstand
your faith and give you a hard time. Being in a relationship with Christ and
His followers, living your life according to His Will and Word will cost you a
relationship or financial reparation. Obedience to Christ will cause the collision
of criticism, or devious neglect that cuts deeply. Please pray for and love
them anyway in spite of their false witness. God knows what is truth where it
concerns us, is that not what really matters? Listen for God’s words of
affirmation and know that is all you need!
“For when He received honor and glory from God
the Father, a voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory: This is My beloved
Son. I take delight in Him!” ~ (2 Peter 1:17, HCS).
Is that not what we all want to hear, this is My
beloved son/daughter, I take delight in you? Is it not our hearts desire to her
our Father in Heaven say to us one day, well done my good a faithful servant?
Is it man or God we fear? Is it man or God whom we want to please? I for one
live to serve the Lord! Amen. <><
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