AUDIO

[Songs in the Night - October 20]
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10
OUR text applies the general principle enunciated by our Lord, "Through much tribulation shall ye enter the kingdom." This is not because divine power is not able to shield us from the tribulations, nor because our Lord is not interested in our welfare, but quite the contrary, because, according to divine tests placed upon the church, the new nature can be developed, educated, crystallized, only through the tests and trials it will endure through its earthly members in the flesh, through loyalty to the Lord. These testings will come along various lines—faith, obedience, endurance, love, etc. And it is only to the overcomers that the reward is promised. But thank God, grace to help in time of need is promised us. If our hearts are loyal and we do our best, the Lord will see to the remainder. Z'09-39 R4326:1 (Hymn 222)