Acts 13:44-47 The following week almost the entire city turned out to hear them preach the word of the Lord. But when some of the Jews saw the crowds, they were jealous; so they slandered Paul and argued against whatever he said. Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and declared, “It was necessary that we first preach the word of God to you Jews. But since you have rejected it and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we will offer it to the Gentiles. For the Lord gave us this command when he said, ‘I have made you a light to the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the farthest corners of the earth.’”
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. So, 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. (2006)
Amanuensis 