In Proverbs 6:16-19, God lays out some things that he hates. Two of those things are a lying tongue and hands that shed innocent blood. When Jesus develops those negatives into positives, he says in the Beatitudes, “Blessed are you when say all kinds of evil against you falsely.” Continuing in this vein of blessing, he continues, “Blessed are those who are persecuted…” (Matthew 5:10-12). When God turns these two negatives into positives, He does something a little unexpected. While the lying tongues and the persecuting hands are cursed with God’s hatred, the victims of such actions are blessed by God. God loves the victims who meet unjust abuse at the hands and lips of others. He goes on and says, “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.”
Rejoicing and celebrating while suffering an injustice is a rather unique idea. It’s totally contrary to our natural inclinations. When I suffer injustice or am lied about, my tendency is to defend myself! My ire is raised like a red flag, and I demand justice! Entrusting the injustices to God in faith is a difficult thing to do. It requires a conviction that it’s the right thing to do. David refused to take revenge on Saul, even when he tried to kill him. He trusted God to deal with the problem. David is referred to in the Bible as the man after God’s own heart. To leave vengeance to God, who tells us that it is His alone, requires a profound heart commitment. In Jeremiah, we read about the “New” covenant during which God will give His people a “New” heart. That’s what we need.
Max Lucado explained the necessity of such a change if we’re to experience the blessings Jesus pronounced in the Sermon on the Mount. He says, “… What Jesus promises is not a gimmick to give you goosebumps nor a mental attitude that has to be pumped up at pep rallies. No, Matthew 5 describes God’s radical reconstruction of the heart. Observe the sequence. First, we recognize we are in need (we’re poor in spirit). Next, we repent of our self-sufficiency (we mourn). We quit calling the shots and surrender control to God (we’re meek). So grateful are we for his presence that we yearn for more of him (we hunger and thirst). As we grow closer to him, we become more like him. We forgive others (we’re merciful). We change our outlook (we’re pure in heart). We love others (we’re peace-makers). We endure injustice (we’re persecuted). It’s no casual shift of attitude. It is a demolition of the old structure and the creation of the new. The more radical the change, the greater the joy. And it’s worth every effort, for this is the joy of God.”