Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God.
— Romans 1:1, emphasis added

Even as Paul was “set apart,” so too as followers of Yeshua, you and I are called to be separate. We are to think and behave differently from the world around us. In fact, Scripture says we are not of this world.

We have been selected to live apart from this world and to bring truth and the message of eternity to those whom God brings into our lives. Of course, our words will sometimes evoke a negative response. Think about Paul. He was beaten, ridiculed, and maligned because he was set apart. In fact, he wrote most of the New Testament while in prison. Consider also the people of Israel. They have been persecuted and hated from the beginning of their history. We should expect the same, and we must be willing to suffer the reproach of our calling. “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

Paul knew Yeshua in the power of His resurrection, but he also knew what it meant to be rejected and feel lonely because of his witness for Him. Beloved one, this is also part of our call because we are set apart. But be encouraged; you will be rewarded for all that you suffer because of your love for Him! “Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Rabbi Kirt A. Schneider, Entering His Presence (Lake Mary, FL: Charisma House, 2023), Used by permission.