The name JESUS CHRIST is the most hated name in the world and yet it’s also the most loved name. Men hate it so much so as to kill and torture because of it – and still others love and revere the name so much that they will gladly die for it. How can a name be so hated and still be so loved at the same time? How? A little peep into history will reveal how many wars and persecutions and atrocities have been waged on believers all over the world because of their profession of that name, Jesus.

Acts 5:40‭–‬42

..And when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

In the passage above, the disciples of Jesus were flogged for preaching and teaching in the name of Jesus. And after the beating, they were commanded not to ever speak the name again. Ohhh, but I love their response: THEY DEPARTED WITH DANCING, AND SINGING, AND REJOICING THAT THEY WERE COUNTED WORTHY TO SUFFER SHAME FOR THE NAME. AND GUESS WHAT, AFTERWARDS THEY PREACHED THE NAME JESUS IN THE TEMPLE AND IN EVERY HOUSE DAILY. Wow!

What is your own reaction to the name Jesus? Does the name elicit disgust, shame or anger from you? Or does it bring smile and joy? Do you know there are Christians who are ashamed of that name and don’t want to be seen associated with Jesus when they are in certain places? They will lift up their hands in worship on Sundays but on other days and at certain places they wouldn’t want anyone to know that they are for Jesus. Are you one of those? Or are you so proud of the name JESUS and will speak about Him anywhere, no matter what anyone thinks? Go ahead, why don’t you tell someone about Jesus today. Peter said, “Don’t consider it strange” the trial and persecution and abuse you will receive because you are affiliated to Christ. In fact, he says you should EXPECT IT.

1 Peter 4:12-‬14

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

Why should you expect abuse for His name’s sake? BECAUSE IN BEING TREATED LIKE THAT, YOU HAVE BECOME A PARTAKER OF CHRIST’S SUFFERINGS. SO THAT YOU WILL ALSO PARTAKE IN THE GLORY WHICH SHALL BE REVEALED IN THE END.

So “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.”

Have you ever been insulted, abused, or reproached for the name of Christ’s sake? Then BLESSED ARE YOU. Have you suffered some things or been denied some opportunities and privileges because you are a Christian or because you have determined to stand by your Christian virtues? Some Christians are ashamed of their affiliation with Christ when they are in certain places. And they hide their identity to avoid discomfort or shame; Others will quickly drop their Christian standards in order to get some privileges. Are you such a Christian? Do you deny your Christ because of impending reproach or you boldly embrace it? The scriptures have said,

BLESSED ARE YE, IF YE BE REPROACHED FOR THE NAME OF CHRIST. Glooooory!

There is a GREAT REWARD for every abuse or insult or reproach you receive for Jesus’ sake. They shall hate you, and they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and they shall denounce you as evil. But there’s a reward in heaven for you for all that. That’s why Jesus tells you to rejoice and leap for joy, because BLESSED ARE YOU for receiving that abuse.

Luke 6:22-23 emphasizes that. Let’s see it: Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

In fact you must be abused at some point, for Jesus name’s sake. If you have never suffered any abuse for His sake, then you probably are not doing much for him. Yeah. This is how Jesus put it: ” Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.” -John 15:20

You will be abused because your Lord was abused; because there are many who still hate that name Jesus for no reason. And by abuse we don’t mean when you do something wrong and are being punished for it. This persecution and suffering is because you are affiliated with Christ and take a stand for Him. You wouldn’t be in that spot if it hadn’t been for Jesus. But don’t let that bother you, FOR BLESSED ARE YOU BECAUSE OF IT.

I ask you again, WHAT HAVE YOU SUFFERED FOR HIS NAME’S SAKE? Selah!