Connect Isaiah 66:5 with Matthew 5:10 on enduring persecution for righteousness.

Hearing God in the Midst of Hostility

“‘Hear the word of the LORD, you who tremble at His word: Your brothers who hate and exclude you for My name’s sake have said, “Let the LORD be glorified, that we may see your joy!” But they will be put to shame.’” (Isaiah 66:5)

“‘Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’” (Matthew 5:10)

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Two Passages—One Theme

• Isaiah speaks to faithful Israelites mocked and cast aside by their own kin.

• Jesus speaks to faithful disciples who will face similar treatment in every age.

• Both promise that present rejection will be overturned by God’s vindication.

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Why Persecution Happens

• Righteous living exposes unrighteous hearts (John 3:19–20).

• Allegiance to God threatens self-made religion (Acts 5:27–33).

• The kingdom of darkness simply opposes the kingdom of light (John 15:18–20; 2 Timothy 3:12).

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Kinds of Opposition Mentioned

Isaiah 66:5 highlights three tactics:

1. Hatred (“your brothers who hate you”)

2. Exclusion (“and exclude you”)

3. Mocked spirituality (“Let the LORD be glorified…”)—pretending piety while belittling the faithful.

Matthew 5:10 summarizes all such hostility under “persecution.”

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God’s Verdict on the Persecuted

• Present status: “Blessed” (Matthew 5:10)—approved, favored, upheld.

• Future inheritance: “The kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10); those “put to shame” are the persecutors (Isaiah 66:5).

• Certainty of reversal: “They will be put to shame” (Isaiah 66:5); “rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:12).

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Living Out These Truths Today

• Expect resistance, but refuse resentment. 1 Peter 4:12–14 urges rejoicing when insulted for Christ.

• Keep trembling at God’s word, not at people’s threats (Isaiah 66:5; Proverbs 29:25).

• Measure success by faithfulness, not popularity (Galatians 1:10).

• Encourage one another; shared suffering knits believers together (Philippians 1:27–30).

• Look beyond the moment to the kingdom that is already yours (Colossians 3:1–4).

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Encouragement for the Journey

What the world calls loss, heaven calls blessed gain. Stand firm, keep walking in righteousness, and listen for the coming footsteps of the King who will right every wrong and publicly honor His steadfast people.