On Sunday, May 21, 2023, VLC gathered in person, which was also broadcasted online via YouTube. Pastor Stuart Nice shared a message about Jesus’ first public teaching, continuing with the final passages of the Beatitudes about enduring rejection for Jesus’ sake. Jesus teaches that rejection will come to those whose lives are dedicated to the Lord. We are part of a long line of those who know rejection, but who have also turned that rejection into an opportunity to rejoice. Jesus reminds us that our rejection in this world will result in a blessing in God’s kingdom and in heaven to come.

Blessed are you when people hate you,
when they exclude you and insult you
and reject your name as evil,
because of the Son of Man.
“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.
Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you,
for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.
Luke 6:22-23, 26 (NIV)