Are You Ready?!
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks of nine categories of people who will be “blessed.” These categories have become known as the Beatitudes.
The Beatitudes break into three triplets explaining those who will be part of the Kingdom of Heaven: 1) the unlikeliest or overlooked in society’s eyes 2) those whose values closely align with Kingdom values 3) and those who will likely suffer for their allegiances to the Kingdom. The last triplet are those I wish to highlight.
The first are the peacemakers. These are the faithful people who are willing to jump into the middle of warring parties. It’s like a teacher, jumping into the middle of students involved in a violent fight. They will likely not step away unscathed. At best, they will likely be disheveled, bruised, scratched, or worse.
The second are those taunted, scorned, or humiliated because of their faith walk by others, including family and friends. They hold to their Kingdom values, but this is no fun. The biggest risks are bruised ego, hurt feelings, or feelings of isolation.
The last are those who are reviled and punished for their alignment with Jesus. This is often leads down the difficult path of arrest, imprisonment, physical, abuse, or even death.
Paul tells Colossians (and us) that he rejoices in the suffering he is subjected to because it is interwoven into the sufferings and death of Jesus. (See Colossians 2:24-2:5)
Basically, these three are equivalent to being a “red shirt” on the landing party in Star Trek. There’s a real possibility that you ain’t coming back!
We may not enjoy being a “red shirt,” like Paul, but it is often part of the call in to be In His Service!
Are you ready!
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