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Friday, October 20, 2006

Leap for Joy

When the disciples "left the presence of the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name" (Acts 5:41) they vindicated Christ. Jesus Christ taught that those who suffer persecution for his name's sake are blessed: "Blessed are you when men hate you...on account of the Son of Man" (Luke 6:22).

If that teaching didn't hit hard radically enough, he continues his rhetorical radicalizing, commanding, "Rejoice in that day." The holy madness continues with this final stroke, "...and leap for Joy!" Only Jesus could teach this.

And why can the disciple "leap for joy!" when men hate him?---because Jesus promises, "For behold, your reward is great in heaven" (Luke 6:23). Allegiance to Christ means obedience to his command to leap for joy when men hate you for his sake.

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