Children of God Are Blessed

Jake Tauriainen  |  The Shepherd’s Voice June/July 2025 - Home and Family Article –

“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:10

The Bible tells us in many places how God’s children have been persecuted – treated badly – by others, even by powerful leaders.

In the book of Exodus, the Israelites were slaves in Egypt. Slavery means being forced to work without pay, and that is a very bad kind of persecution.

Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, didn’t want to let the Israelites go. He wanted to keep them as slaves. But God chose Moses to lead them out of Egypt.

When Pharaoh’s army chased after them, the Israelites were trapped by the Red Sea. But God protected His people. Through Moses, God parted the sea, and the Israelites crossed safely on dry ground. When Pharaoh’s army tried to follow, God made the walls of water fall back together. Pharaoh’s army drowned. God saved His people and brought them to the promised land of Canaan.

Are God’s children persecuted today? Today, God’s children aren’t facing armies like Pharaoh’s, but they can still be mistreated. Sometimes, people at school or work might tease us for having a large family or for following God’s teachings.

God tells us that children are a blessing. So even when others think our ways are old-fashioned or strange, we listen to God’s Word.

If we are persecuted for our faith, we can remember that God sees it as blessed. He has promised us a home in heaven – our promised land.

Things to visit about:

1. What does it mean to be persecuted? Can you think of an example of how someone might be mistreated for doing what’s right?

2. How did God protect the Israelites when they were trapped by the Red Sea?

3. Why do you think God promises to bless those who are persecuted for doing what is right?

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