Blessed

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:11-12

I can only imagine. Being persecuted for following Christ in the South, at this point, doesn't seem to be an issue.

Yet, having read some recent testimony out of Egypt, spoken with Christ-followers from Pakistan in the past, I'm in awe of the God we worship who can instill such a spirit of "being blessed" in those who are persecuted.

An observation of popular American culture reveals an intellectual disdain and disinterest in being Christ-followers. This is not unlike decades or centuries in the past, maybe just a slightly different spin with different nuances enhanced by our technological-informational era.

What might we learn from our Coptic Christian brothers and sisters? Are we asking and expecting God to speak into our lives, both personally and as communities of faith? 

I'm not in any way, shape, or form desiring to be "under persecution". I am, however, desperately interested in how we might grow in our knowledge and love of God and others and share that with the next generation.

Merciful God, there is not one thing that happens on earth or in heaven that you are not mindful. Hear our prayer for all those who stand in harm's way and face persecution because of their faith in you. Be their comfort and their strength this day. Give them, by your Spirit, the assurance that they are never alone nor forsaken.

We pray O Lord for those who persecute - change their hearts of malice, fear, and hatred. Let your grace flow over them, in them, and through them, that their Saul's life might become an Apostle Paul's life. 

In your love, through our faith in Christ, reveal and renew in each of us the spiritual gifts and talents that you have planted. Find us filled with your light and compassion this day that we might know the joy and soft whisper of the Spirit affirming, "well done good and faithful servant." In the name of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit...