Feeling Rejected
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Feeling Rejected
In Luke chapter 10, Jesus sent out seventy disciples ahead of Him to preach to every place where He would soon be going to preach. It was their job to prepare the hearts of the people to listen to the gospel Jesus preached.
We all need to prepare our hearts — every days of our lives — to listen deep down to what Jesus is teaching us in His word. Our eternal lives depend on it. Since God made us, He knows exactly what our hearts are like. He knows we’re “busy” and need to set time aside for listening in all seriousness. God also knows that our sinful nature often does not want to listen unless there’s something that draws its attention.
As the seventy disciples were sent out, Jesus instructed them as to how their behavior and preaching should be. They were carrying God’s word to the people — not their own opinions. They were not out to earn anything — just to share what Jesus had taught them about salvation for all.
They were not to push their message on anyone. If the people did not want to listen to their preaching, the results would be between that town and God on their judgment day.
So, Jesus concluded His instructions in Luke 10:16,
The one who listens to you listens to Me, and the one who rejects you rejects Me; and he who rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.
Those instructions hold true for every Christian today, who shares only the word of God with those who need to be strengthened in the truths about our salvation that are only in Christ Jesus.
As Christians try to share God’s words of salvation and judgment, they will surely find times when they are totally rejected. That really hurts. The gospel message is shared in a real love and a deep concern for the eternal salvation of everyone being spoken to. But, it’s love rejected.
The Christian might be tempted to feel dejected — thinking only that the listener is rejecting them as a person. That’s probably true to a point. But, surprisingly, Jesus shows that the rejection is much deeper than that. It is a rejection of Jesus as our Savior and, ultimately, a rejection of God the Father — our Creator.
Of course, the Christian will always feel sad over those who prefer their own “ways” over God’s ways. Yes, it will constantly be a weight on their hearts that some are rejecting the love of their Savior — preferring to create their own ideas of what God “should” be like and how God “should” accept their rejection of Him without giving any consequences — as if mere humans are qualified to tell God anything.
Jesus told the seventy disciples to just leave them alone — with the warning of an eternal judgment coming their way, if they don’t change.
Jesus also gave some wonderfully promising words for absolutely every one who turns to Him as they recognize the eternal free gift we have in our Savior. He says in John 6:37,
All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me; and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.
There is always an open invitation and wide open arms extended to all — if perhaps they would change their ways and accept the love of their heavenly Father. It’s just as the story of the prodigal son. His father rejoiced so much at his return, he just had to give a great big party. God’s love is that great and that faithful.
So, God — and all God’s children — and even the angels in heaven — will rejoice over every one who returns to their Creator and Savior.
If therefore the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:36
And when we are free, we will humbly say, “Hallelujah! God’s love is faithful, even to me.”
Love,
Margaret
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A Christian devotional to glorify the LORD of lords and GOD of gods.
Pray for our country.
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The LORD made this day, let us rejoice and be glad in Him.
Psalm 118:24
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The word of the LORD is tried;
He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.
Psalm 18:30
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Sing for joy in the LORD, O you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming to the upright.
Psalm 33:1
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How blessed are those who dwell in Thy house!
They are ever praising Thee.
Psalm 84:4
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Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him.
Psalm 103:13
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O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good;
For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
Psalm 107:1
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Glory in His holy name;
Let the heart of those who seek the LORD be glad.
Psalm 105:3
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Not that I have already obtained it, or have already become perfect, but I press on in order that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12
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