Matthew 23:34

“Therefore, indeed, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes: some of them you will kill and crucify, and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city,”

Part of the entitlements of God’s servants is death, persecutions, and scourging. When God sends His messengers to the earth with the Good news of the heavenly kingdom, the people of this world do not often welcome these ambassadors with open arms. When we come to the world in the name of the Lord, we must, therefore, expect some form of adverse reaction, at least from some sections of people.

Expect it. It’s part of your entitlements. We will be persecuted – not once, but from city to city. There will be a recurrence of persecution. Some of us will have to be martyred as part of the entitlements of serving our Master. We must not see this as something strange. The pain and rejection and ostracism will be severe for a season, but if we expect it as part of the calling of God’s servants, then it is easier to bear. Let’s expect it.

“Lord, living in this world is hard enough without these added burdens. But as Your messenger, I accept it as part of my calling and entitlements. I ask that You grant me the extra grace when those days come. In Jesus name. Amen.”