DCLM Daily Manna Thursday 13 July 2023

TOPIC: Rejoicing All the Way

Text:  Matthew 5:10-12 (KJV)
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

KEY VERSE
“Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” 
(Matthew 5:12)

DCLM Daily Manna Thursday 13 July 2023 MESSAGE

The world does not understand why the faith of Christ’s disciples is not shipwrecked in the ocean of persecution. Instead, these believers rejoice. Three factors account for this joy. First, the Lord says they should rejoice under such circumstances. So they obey Him. Second, He has revealed to them the ineffable glory awaiting them in His Kingdom if they do not break down under enemy attacks. Third, God’s word says persecutions are “a light affliction” to be endured with gladness.

We cannot have more assurances of the blessedness than those given us in the Scriptures by the Lord who knows it all. There is no bit of doubt concerning the veracity of His submissions. Hear Him: “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you”. As our Master and Lord, Jesus Christ is also our Guide through the journey to the pearly gates of heaven.

READ DCLM Daily Manna Wednesday 12 July 2023 – Unscriptural Proverb

We are guaranteed His help in times of distress. “For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 2:18; 4:15).

These last days, characterised by perilous events that would bring up persecutions, should instruct faithful followers of the Lord to be watchful. We should spend more time in God’s presence, soaking ourselves in His word, praying, fellowshipping with the brethren, cleansing our communities with ceaseless evangelism strategies in readiness for the rapture and keeping ourselves undefiled by the world.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Rejoicing in the Lord minimises the effect of persecution.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
1 Chronicles 1-4