It is Sunday! I know teaching, preaching and ministering is not always easy. Sometimes in faithful Gospel ministry there arises the following situation:
- People hate you
- People ostracize you
- People insult you
- People scorn your name as evil
We ought not to be surprised. This is what Jesus said will happen in Luke 6:22 and will happen “for the sake of the Son of Man.”
Yet in the next verse Jesus said “Be glad in that day and leap for joy” (Luke 6:23a).
What? Why? We don’t typically associate all those things happening as a reason to rejoice. The reason Jesus gives is also a powerful motivation to continue ministry even when people persecute us in the second half of Luke 6:23:
for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets.
Here’s a question based upon the verse:
Have you thought about the reward in heaven is great when we minister in the midst of persecution?
Now we must make sure that we are really persecuted for the sake of the Son of Man and not because of our sin or misdeeds. An honest heart check is always needed. But after being before the Lord and in all honesty there is persecution because you are serving the Son of Man, consider not quitting in ministry. Press on. Be encouraged by the thought of your reward. Of a great reward in heaven. Practically read the Old Testament for encouragement. See the faithfulness of the prophets in the Old Testament to see the examples and model of God’s servants who were persecuted. Be ministered by God’s Word. Press on.
Thanks for sharing this. Its come just at the right time for me and is a big encouragement to keep on going towards the heavenly goal in Christ. Blessings, Hayley 😊
Praise the Lord!
Great encouragement, thanks.
what if you,ve got somewhat of mental illness. should you be preaching? my pastor lets me. i am ostracized and i don’t see any fruit at my soup kitchen except maybe planted seeds (?)
I think go with what your church and pastors have to say since I don’t know your present situation. Encouraged to hear about you planting seeds at your soup kitchen, keep on being faithful in sharing to others about Christ as it pleases the Lord!
Thank you. It must please Him since it is all I live for, in a manner of speaking. The Holy Sprit works and blesses us anyway. No fruit except in me.
I don’t blindly equate the sinless perfection of Jesus with modern pastors.
Is it possible that the critics are correct and self examination and repentance is the correct response.
I noticed that your list is in the extreme of what may be justifiable accountability issues.Giving honor is Biblical. Kissing the pastors ring is not.
Was Paul hating Peter when he publicly confronted him?
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