Expecting Rejection
Café Menufor Thursday, April 3, 2014
Today’s Special is: Why We Should Expect Rejection
Carefully prepared just for you by your friend, Carolyn Dale Newell
Main Ingredient:
If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
-John 15:19 NKJV
Entrée:
Rejection has been around since Cain and Abel. Joseph’s brothers hated him and even plotted to kill him (Genesis 37:4-28). Moses constantly experienced problems from the Israelites, and his own brother and sister were jealous of him (Numbers 12:1). David’s son, Absalom rebelled against him (2 Samuel 15). Without a doubt, Jesus Christ has been rejected more than anyone who has walked this earth.
It is no surprise that as Christians we experience rejection. We are “strangers and pilgrims” in this world (1 Peter 2:11). “For our citizenship is in heaven…” (Philippians 3:20). However, that doesn’t stop the pain of friends and family shunning you and even breaking off relationships. Yet, Jesus said, “For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law” Matthew 10:35 (NIV).
The fear of rejection is perhaps the main deterrent for people’s unwillingness to share the gospel. Some people feel more comfortable witnessing to a stranger rather than a friend or relative. However, when Jesus gave the great commission, He also gave the promise that He would always be with us (Matthew 28:20).
Jesus Christ, who knows the sting of rejection will be with us when we witness. He will comfort us when we are rejected. Above all, there is one who will never reject His own, not even when we fail – Jesus Christ. His love is unconditional.
Take Out:
As Christians, we can expect rejection. We can expect it from our co-workers, our friends, and even our family. We are strangers in this world, and we don’t fit in, but we have a heavenly Father who will never reject us. Not only will He never reject us, but we can go to Him when we are abandoned by others, and He will comfort us.
Dessert:
Dear Heavenly Father, I know that You have experienced more rejection than I ever will, and I need Your grace and comfort to get me through this time. Thank You for never leaving me. Help me each day as I face a world of unbelievers who often turn their back on me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
© 2014 by Carolyn Dale Newell. All rights reserved.
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Originally published Thursday, 03 April 2014.
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