Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Mat 5:10 NKJ)

This text follows directly after the call of the Christian to be a peace-maker.  In other words, if you live the life of a peace-maker, seeking justice, persecution will follow for two reasons. First, because you stand up for poor and the oppressed, demanding righteousness. The Hebrew word is ‘tsedaqah,’ meaning righteousness-justice.  Not just any righteousness or any justice, but that which comes from the Kingdom of God.  The Christian that is persecuted lives their life to serve the King and to implement his Words, deeds, and actions here on earth (Matt 6:10). Social injustice against the immigrants, those caught in the immigration trap such as DACA and refugee.  Fighting racial injustice against African Americans and Latinos in housing, healthcare, education, and a broken judicial system. Economic injustice where a person might need to work two or three jobs to earn a living wage. International injustice against the Palestinians, the children in Syria and Yemen and the ethnic cleansing of minority groups such as the Rohingya. Finally, political injustice where the greediness of the rich and powerful ignores the plight of the oppressed.

Have no doubt in your mind; we live in the kingdom of darkness that is ruled by, “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience. (Eph 2:2-3 NKJ) Our spiritual battle is against, “principalities (demonic forces), against powers (those who serve the kingdom of darkness (Eph 6:12 NKJ)  They do not want you bringing Kingdom light into the world. So, when the world tells you to be quiet—turn up the volume.