Matthew 17

"But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands." Matthew 17:12

At this point, Jesus has taken John, James, and Peter up to a mountain, where God spoke to them. They now had the revelation of who Jesus was and had experienced him like few had. After the experience, they began to ask about why Elijah, who had been prophesied about, hadn't come. Jesus' reply was verse 12. 

Why is this verse important? Everyone did not appreciate the value of John the Baptist (Elijah) or Jesus. Both were prophesied about extensively, did great works, walked holy...but were still hated on! James 1:2 tells us to count it all joy when (people back stab, spread lies, take your ideas, take advantage of you, make you do the entire group project) you face trials of many kinds. I love the quote that says "If you don't have any haters, you're doing something wrong." Be unapologetically you! You don't have to constantly prove yourself. God could make "a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!'" (Matthew 17:5) I don't know of you, but I'll let God fight my battles. 

Happy Monday!