A Norvell Note
March 3, 2025 – Vol. 29 No. 09
A Strange Rejoicing
Life lesson: Don’t be surprised. Rejoice.
Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “
“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. (Matthew 10:11-12, NIV)
I confess. My experiences of being persecuted because of my commitment to God consist of me possibly not being invited to a party or two and exclusion from a few conversations. No one sends me threatening letters or emails, and I have never received hate mail from an angry member of the community or workplace. There is no threat of imprisonment unless I deny my faith.
Have you?
When Jesus encouraged us to consider it a blessing, he was not if you get mistreated because you are acting like a jerk or being an obnoxious know-it-all. He said, If you live and act like me, don’t be surprised and rejoice. That means they see something in you that reminds them of me. They hate me. If you follow me, there will be times when they persecute you just like me.
Another question: If we claim to be followers of Jesus, why aren’t we being persecuted?
A Norvell Note © Copyright 2025 Tom Norvell All Rights Reserved