As world events continue to escalate out of control and as Christians become targets, what do we need to remember?  Jesus has warned His followers to not be surprised.

(NASB) Luke 6:22-23 “Blessed are you when men hate you, and ostracize you, and insult you, and scorn your name as evil, for the sake of the Son of Man.
23 ‘Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, our reward is great in heaven.  For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets.”

The list Jesus gave is not a “warm fuzzy” for those who follow Him.  Rather the list is a warning and a promise.
Following Jesus is not for the faint of heart or for those looking for a free hand-out.

What Jesus does give is His gift of salvation (saved from my sins).  He does give His gift of salvation (escape from God’s wrath, which we all deserve because of our sins).

As the world escalates out of control, what can Jesus’ followers expect?  Indeed, what are some followers experiencing today in many countries of the world?  They are dealing with hatred toward them, excluded from their home and their villages, insulted and scorned.  They are imprisoned, tortured, killed for the sake of their faith in Jesus, the Son of Man.

How are we to respond when we are hated, ostracized, insulted, scorned for the sake of Jesus?
1- love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you
(Matthew 5:43-44)
2- be glad in that day for your reward is great in heaven
(Luke 6:23)
3- know that God is not surprised…He told us it would happen!
(Luke 6:22)

The “last days” are coming…we just don’t know when.  We do need to be prepared to stand and having done all to take a firm stand with God’s armor in place.

(NASB & Amplified) Ephesians 6:10-18 paraphrased
Be strong in God’s mighty power; Put on God’s provided armor:
1- God’s truth! Stand firmly in belief in His word!
2- His righteousness! Protect yourself by being in right standing with God, be a person of integrity!
3- Be personally prepared to live each day with the Good News of peace through Christ
4- Be shielded from the fiery darts of the wicked with faith firmly embedded in Christ Jesus!
5- Accept Jesus as your Savior (putting on the helmet of salvation)!
6- Take up the word of God as your sword of the Spirit
7- Pray…Pray…Pray all the time, in every circumstance

You have been given God’s armor for the surprises!

AND

Remember: there are no surprises to God!