Our Scripture reading today is Luke 11:49-51.
Verse 49, "Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:"
Not everyone in Jesus day, the time of the first century church, or even in our day willingly accepts the message of the Gospel. There are even those who greatly oppose the message. These people are under the control of our enemy. Satan hates everything that has to do with God and his love for people. This means that Satan hates people and wants them to suffer as he will for all eternity. The Lord Jesus was rejected as were all of His disciples. The disciples (excluding John) would face a martyrs death.
The rejection we face today cannot as of yet be compared to the persecution in Scripture and throughout church history. It does seem to be making its way at a rapid pace to North America. Persecution carries with it an opportunity to let our light shine in a brighter way and bring more glory to our Heavenly Father. This is the time to stay in the Word of God, pray in faith to God, and faithfully worship with the people of God.