Our Scripture reading today is Luke 6:22-23, Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets."
What the followers of Jesus Christ could expect continues to be proclaimed by the Lord Jesus. It would seem that those who consider themselves poor and hungry spiritually would not be be hated, but that is not the case. There would be loss of family members and friends. When one marriage partner became a Christian there would usually be a split in the family. Employment would be terminated. Jesus told His followers they would be blessed when these things take place.
These verse can be related to our Bible lesson last night...Good Comes from Bad. We just got into the introduction of the lesson, but I am sure Joseph could relate to these two verses in the gospel of Luke. Sad to say, but in our North American Christianity mindset, I do not see too many Christians enduring such persecution and continuing to faithfully follow the Lord Jesus. We have lived in comfort when it comes to most of the world and how they endure certain things to follow Jesus Christ. It is my prayer that we would faithfully follow Him and have a blessed attitude and outlook when "persecution" for our faith comes to our neighbourhood.