A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW     

REJOICE FOR GREAT IS YOUR REWARD IN HEAVEN  

Matthew 5:11-12 “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.”   

In a world that takes great notice of power, super-human accomplishments, phenomenal athletes, great achievements, and the like the Christian disciple should have no delusions of grandeur. It is true there will be a final day of victory. Those who are believers know, however, that their victory is not found in their personal accomplishments and achievements. Their hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.   

The reign of Jesus is now and into all eternity. Only believers see Jesus seated on His throne at the right hand of His Father. Though He is almighty, those of us who follow Him, believe in Him, trust in Him will experience trials and tribulations and yes, even persecution because of our faith and trust in Him.   

John the Baptist ended up in prison and was beheaded. Eleven of the twelve Disciples of Jesus died a martyr’s death. Jesus, Our King, reigned from Calvary’s cross. Remember, even one of the two thieves crucified with Him said to Him, If you truly are this almighty, powerful Lord, then take us off the cross and save your life and ours.   

The Beatitudes are not commandments, laws, rules, and regulations. They are statements. They are statements that describe the truth of discipleship. Disciples will be meek, mourn, and hunger. Disciples, like Jesus, will be mocked, ridiculed, derided, and scoffed at. A disciple of Jesus prays, Jesus, lead thou on Till my rest is won though for the moment my life may be cheerless, lead by You I will follow calm and fearless knowing that You are leading me from this earthly wilderness to my heavenly home. 

Prayer: Jesus, lead me through this worldly wilderness to the green pastures of heaven. Grant me faith to follow you wherever my life’s course takes me. In Your holy name. Amen. 

Jesus, lead Thou on Till our rest is won;   
And although the way be cheerless,   
We will follow calm and fearless,  
Guide us by Thy hand To our fatherland. 

If the way be drear, If the foe be near,  
Let not faithless fears o’ertake us;  
Let not faith and hope forsake us;  
For through man a woe To our home we go. 

When we seek relief From a long-felt grief;  
When temptations come alluring,   
Make us patient and enduring.  
Show us that bright shore Where we weep no more. 

Jesus, lead Thou on till our rest is won,  
Heav’nly leader, still direct us,   
Still support, console, protect us,  
Till we safely stand In our fatherland.  (LSB 718)