People may reject ideas or others because they do not believe what is said or simply want to do their own thing and refuse to be directed otherwise. And in that position, it is possible to not understand the extent of that rejection. When Israel desired to have a king like the other nations (1 Samuel 8:4-5), Samuel felt he was being rejected as the nation’s leader, priest, and prophet. However, note what God revealed to Samuel where we read. . .
“(7) And the Lord said to Samuel, “Obey the voice of the people in all that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them.” (1 Samuel 8:7 ESV)
Ultimately it was not Samuel, but God Who was being rejected.
On an occasion when the disciples were discussing who was the greatest among them, we read. . .
“(48) and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.” (Luke 9:48 ESV)
Would that not also imply to not receive Jesus would be to not receive or to reject He Who had sent Him; God the Father? Even as Jesus sent out the disciples to preach the gospel, if the message was rejected, they were not to quit but rather move on. (Luke 9:5)
Because of the discomfort of rejection and the tendency to take things very personally, sometimes we find ourselves hesitant to share the truth of the Scriptures. However, let us remember the power is in the seed of the word and we are merely the sowers of that seed, and the result rests on the condition of hearts. (i.e. Matthew 13:18-23) There have been occasions when I have responded to a question by simply having the questioner read a passage of Scripture which was accepted in its own clarity. I allowed them to walk away with God’s answer rather than merely my own. Other times I have had people refuse to read or to read and not accept. For the latter, I let their disagreement be with the Scriptures rather than with me.
As we share the message of reconciliation to God through Christ, we are merely the messengers appealing to others on Christ’s behalf. (i.e. 2 Corinthians 5:20) Therefore, may the personal aspect of all of this be that we individually remain true to the message of Jesus both in living it and speaking it with the intent of lifting the focus ultimately above ourselves to God!
Have a great day AT REST WITH WHAT RESTS WITH GOD!
Carl
