Hot Pursuit (Matthew 13:21)

Matthew 13:21 says, "... tribulation or persecution arise because of the word..."

BECAUSE OF THE WORD

In a previous study, of these related words, [see "Crushed" ], the fact is stated, that these animosities, or attacks against us are "because of the word". These are not because of bad behavior nor are the terms specifically related to sickness or disease. These words deal specifically with aggression against the Christian because of the Word, preached and lived in our lives.

The stronger the Word is evidenced, in and through us, the greater the conflict that comes against us. This is military bootcamp 101! If we are going to live a Christian life, not "blending in", but "standing out", we will suffer persecution... count on it!

PERSECUTION

This word, unlike the first, which can involve mental anguish because of slander, or internal anguish due to external pressure; this word specifically relates to physical persecution.

The original meaning of this word is "to put in rapid motion". (The idea being to rapidly pursue someone with the intention of doing bodily harm).

This is not a passive word. In fact, everything about the word speaks of aggression. It is aggressively pursuing someone - although it has a later application to "something" - to obtain what is sought after.

PURSUE HOTLY

The Greek translates several Hebrew words, in the LXX, of which the dominant meaning, is "to pursue hotly after".

Some of the other aspects of this word, is that it conveys the ideas of quickness of effort; speed; and a very definite sense of urgency.

In classical literature, it was a legal term for accusation and prosecution. In other words, it was descriptive of pursuing through law, to cause harm, by conviction of the offense.

What is most significant about the word, is not it's relation to physical persecution, but to the very descriptive figurative use that is found in some very familiar and relevant  scripture:

1 Corinthians 14:1, "... follow after love..."

1 Thessalonians 5:15, "... following what is good..."

1 Timothy 6:11, "...follow after righteousness, godliness..."

Hebrews 12:14, "...follow peace ...and holiness..."

1 Peter 3:11, "...pursue peace..."

Romans 14:19, being "... given to..." hospitality.

All of these figurative, but very practical uses of the word, carry the same nuances and meanings as those related to physical persecution. We are exhorted to not just be going in the same direction as what makes for peace, or what is love; holiness; godliness, but to be in hot pursuit, in rapid motion; pursuing aggressively; zealously; with urgent speed, to obtain, the manifestations and demonstrations of these qualities in our lives!

This is not a word to bring condemnation, but rather one of exhortation. Thank God, that He lives in us, and He is working through us, to maintain our focus on what are His priorities to be pursuing, with a sense of urgency, in our lives.

You are God's Best and God's Best is Yours.