I am a Jesus pusher!!! We must also consider “sham persecution.” “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for my sake” (Matthew 5:11). It is a focus on “all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.” Insults are abusive words said to our face, but all kinds of evil are primarily abusive words said behind our back. This suggests major war taking place about which we do not know. There are multitudes of incidents, plots, and demonic strategies assaulting us. We may never know the full employment of the forces of evil being hurled against us.
But the final word is “It does not matter!” We are to rejoice and be exceedingly glad (Matthew 5:12). The wonder of what we experience in the Beatitudes so overshadows anything negative so that we hardly notice. We must not focus on the hurt, pain, or slander; we must focus on Jesus. It is for His sake! This is the picture of a helpless individual (Matthew 5:3) who embraces his helplessness (Matthew 5:4). He is filled with the Comforter (Matthew 5:4). His life becomes the expression of all Jesus’ qualities such as meekness, mercy, peace, purity, and even persecution. What a privilege! The privilege of His presence overshadows all discomforts. The story of the early church is a testimony of such experiences. It is what brought about the redemptive expression in their world transforming from evil! Perhaps the love of God can only be truly manifested and understood by evil men against the backdrop of persecution. I am available for this expression! I am a Jesus pusher!!!