Realizing Your Reward - John MacArthur Daily Devotional (April-30-2023)

John MacArthur (April-30-2023) Daily Devotional: Realizing Your Reward

"Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matt. 5:11-12).

The sacrifices you make for Christ’s sake in this life will be abundantly compensated for in Heaven.

God's promise for those who are persecuted for His sake is that their reward in heaven will be great (Matt. 5:11). Jesus said, "Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name's sake, shall receive many times as much, and shall inherit eternal life" (Matt. 19:29).

Focusing on that promise instead of your present circumstances is how you can experience happiness amid suffering. That was Paul's great confidence even as he faced certain death. In 2 Timothy 4:8 he declares, "In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing."

Another source of joy in trials is knowing that you share the fate of the prophets themselves (Matt. 5:12). Those godly men suffered untold hardships for proclaiming God's message. That's a noble group to be identified with!

One final word of encouragement from Matthew 5:11: persecution will not be incessant! Jesus said, "Blessed are you when. . . ." The Greek word translated "when" means "whenever." You won't always be persecuted, but whenever you are, you will be blessed. In addition, God will govern its intensity so you will be able to bear it (1 Cor. 10:13). He knows your human weaknesses and will supply the necessary grace and peace to get you through. That's why you can rejoice when otherwise you might be devastated and filled with grief.

If you are willing to make sacrifices now, you will receive incomparable rewards in the future. How shortsighted are those who protect themselves now by denying Christ or compromising His truth rather than sacrificing the present for the sake of eternal blessing and glory!

Suggestions for Prayer

  • Thank God for the example of the prophets and others who have suffered for Him.

For Further Study

Read Matthew 21:33-39 and Hebrews 11:32-38.

  1. How did Jesus illustrate the persecution of God's prophets?
  2. What is Scripture's commendation to those who suffered.

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Realizing Your Reward -  John MacArthur Daily Devotional (April-30-2023)
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5 comments

  • Comment Link Deborah Russell-Swiridoff Sunday, 30 April 2023 19:37 posted by Deborah Russell-Swiridoff

    I am born again. I know scripture and believe 100% in my Saviour. However, I have never ever understood why
    we should suffer or be persecuted if Christ paid the price.
    And lastly, if He is all powerful why is HE allowing such atrocities.?
    I am fully aware we live in a fallen world. But if he has power over Satan and Satan's entourage of demonic beings. Namely the invisible and the evil global elites. Then why?
    I do not believe anyone, nor Pastors nor scholars can pinpoint why?
    Simply Baffling.

  • Comment Link Deborah Russell-Swiridoff Sunday, 30 April 2023 19:37 posted by Deborah Russell-Swiridoff

    I am born again. I know scripture and believe 100% in my Saviour. However, I have never ever understood why
    we should suffer or be persecuted if Christ paid the price.
    And lastly, if He is all powerful why is HE allowing such atrocities.?
    I am fully aware we live in a fallen world. But if he has power over Satan and Satan's entourage of demonic beings. Namely the invisible and the evil global elites. Then why?
    I do not believe anyone, nor Pastors nor scholars can pinpoint why?
    Simply Baffling.

  • Comment Link Deborah Russell-Swiridoff Sunday, 30 April 2023 19:37 posted by Deborah Russell-Swiridoff

    I am born again. I know scripture and believe 100% in my Saviour. However, I have never ever understood why
    we should suffer or be persecuted if Christ paid the price.
    And lastly, if He is all powerful why is HE allowing such atrocities.?
    I am fully aware we live in a fallen world. But if he has power over Satan and Satan's entourage of demonic beings. Namely the invisible and the evil global elites. Then why?
    I do not believe anyone, nor Pastors nor scholars can pinpoint why?
    Simply Baffling.

  • Comment Link Deborah Russell-Swiridoff Sunday, 30 April 2023 19:37 posted by Deborah Russell-Swiridoff

    I am born again. I know scripture and believe 100% in my Saviour. However, I have never ever understood why
    we should suffer or be persecuted if Christ paid the price.
    And lastly, if He is all powerful why is HE allowing such atrocities.?
    I am fully aware we live in a fallen world. But if he has power over Satan and Satan's entourage of demonic beings. Namely the invisible and the evil global elites. Then why?
    I do not believe anyone, nor Pastors nor scholars can pinpoint why?
    Simply Baffling.

  • Comment Link Dale Aligo Saturday, 30 April 2022 05:39 posted by Dale Aligo

    John MacArthur. I received from the Holy Spirit the gift of MANDARIN speech. As in the book of Acts, Chinese persons in CA. Received the Gospel through the touch of God, who touched my mouth. I AM filling your mouth, with my words. Do not speak against the Holy Spirit who loves you so much and cries over you. God our loving Father, touch John's mouth, as you did mine. Dale

John MacArthur

John MacArthur is the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, as well as an author, conference speaker, chancellor of The Master’s University and Seminary, and featured teacher with the Grace to You media ministry.

After graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community Church in 1969. The emphasis of his pulpit ministry is the careful study and verse-by-verse exposition of the Bible, ...

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