This morning we take a look at the last of the Beatitudes, “Blessed are those who are persecuted…” Jesus challenges the persecuted, insulted and lied about to rejoice and be glad. The motive is twofold: Their kingdom reward will be great and they will be following in the footsteps of the prophets who were persecuted before them. It is difficult for a church in the American suburbs to grasp, but the church has a long, long history of enduring persecution. Do we desire future, Kingdom of God reward enough that we will risk persecution and the loss of this world’s reward?