“The RoseBouquet”

“…and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad...”

I don’t feel like rejoicing when people are talking negatively and cruelly amongst themselves about me, or for that matter publically. (I don’t think I’ve experienced enough of the latter to count). Just even sensing that they are gossiping about me feels awful.

You don’t enjoy it any more, I’m sure.

Yet here Jesus says that we are very blessed or fortunate when people insult us, persecute us, and falsely say evil against us. He says we are to rejoice and be glad because we’re going to be greatly rewarded in Heaven. Besides, this is the same way the prophets of long ago were persecuted.

Does that comfort you yet? Me neither. Not much.

Let’s look at what those heavenly rewards are all about, and how the prophets perceived their suffering.

We are eligible to receive various crowns in Heaven, a real place with real people. Our Father-God, and our Saviour, Jesus, will both be visible, and we’ll be at home together. Crowns to be distributed as earned, representing the highest award and commendation from the God-head. When we see Jesus face to face, we will only desire to throw them at His feet in worship, giving Him the glory for anything we achieved - even if it was only staying true to Him right to a horrible martyr’s death.

Once we truly see Jesus and the majesty of our God, I suspect we’ll be glad of those crowns only because they give us something to give back to the One who did so much, so very much for us.

PRAYER: Oh Lord Jesus, You are worthy of our utmost devotion and endurance. If we loved You more, it would not be so scary to suffer and die for You. Then help us to fall deeper in love with You!

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. Need a Friend? You’ll soon think of Ruthe as your friend, when you read Ruthe’s Secret Roses