rejection expected

For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.

I Thessalonians 3:4

Paul was direct in his disciple-making. He proclaimed the good news of the gospel along with the realistic results of believing the gospel. And everywhere that Paul preached this, there was controversy and persecution. He did not hide this from anybody. The churches God used him to found were forged in trail and pain. None of that was any secret.

This reminder to the Thessalonian congregation was sent in a letter that Paul wrote from a Roman prison. He used these moments to communicate in letter when he could not visit in person. Paul was concerned that the Thessalonians might lose heart at his imprisonment, so he sent Timothy to encourage them. Paul was himself encouraged when Timothy returned with a report that the church was still thriving. And even in distress and pain, the joy of mutual ministry keep the gospel moving forward!

Do not be surprised then, brothers and sisters, when Christian faith is assaulted by a culture controlled by sinful desires. It WILL happen. We must suffer affliction if we are indeed going to be true to the gospel. And Paul’s goal was never to protest the culture, but rather to encourage disciples amidst their affliction. How we ever got to this entitled delusion of thinking Christians should be happy, healthy, wealthy, and influential is beyond scripture! Take heart… affliction and rejection are the way the culture confirms the authenticity of our faith. They tried to cancel a perfect, holy Jesus. They will reject His disciples as well.

Lord,

We know we will suffer if we follow our Lord Who suffered rejection, crucifixion, mockery, and death at the hands of a hostile culture. And so we realistically accept that the glory of our salvation and the power of the resurrection provide perspective. May we be true to proclaim Your love and grace, even as an evil world hates You.

Amen