Acts 13:44-49 The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to contradict what was spoken by Paul, reviling him. And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it aside and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was spreading throughout the whole region.
My own people rejected me. So I gave my word to the gentiles. They knew they were not my favorites. Many knew that they were entirely undeserving and they were more grateful for their salvation than the Jews. So it is and should be with you. You were deeply lost in your sin. You were walking a very dark path. You once remembered the magnitude of my grace toward you. Return to that knowledge. Rejoice in what you have been given. Stop focusing on what you do not have, because really you already have all that matters – you have the promise of eternity with Me and your Father. Notice that the Jews in power in that day did everything to destroy Paul and Barnabas – and anyone who preached my word. So it is today. Do not be surprised, nor dismayed. Just as I protected and drew close to them, so I will to you and all my children today. It will get worse. Christians will continue to be hated, spurned, even persecuted. But, it has always been so, really. You just don’t have the experience, as you were fortunate that I planted you in what was, up until recently, a Christian nation. But watch, it is worsening. You will be hated, if you continue to follow me. The choice is yours. (2005)
Amanuensis 