A Generation Bent on Rejection

Text: Luke 7:11-35 Theme: No matter what God does, some will still reject his wisdom and way. Key verses: “The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.” (v. 15) “‘John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who was to come…?’ At that very time Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. So he replied to the messengers, ‘Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard…'” (v. 20-22) “‘I tell you, among those born of women there is no greater than John…’ (All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus’ words, acknowledged that God’s way was right, because they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees…rejected God’s purpose for themselves…) “‘John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton…’ But wisdom is proved right by all her children.'” (v. 28-35) What God said to me: Dwayne, people today are no different than they were 2000 years ago. They have a rebellious heart that refuses to be satisfied and content with my way. I sent rough and rugged John, but they rejected him. I sent my son, Jesus, who came among them as one of their own, yet they refused him. You must never allow yourself to take their rejection and their deriding personally. Such actions are not because of you, but rather, because of them and their own dark, lost souls. They are sinners in need of a Savior. John allowed himself to become discouraged as he sat in prison wondering if he had prepared the way for the right one. He needed to be reminded and assured that his work was not in vain, that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. You too will be faced with that same temptation. As people you desparately try to reach turn away from you and ridicule you, you must remember they rejected me first and ultimately. Just stay faithful to live and preach my wisdom. The world in general won’t accept you, no matter what you do. However, those whom I have chosen to be my children will recognize the truth and follow me. What I said to God: Father, I mostly sit here in my little building working away. I do not venture out much to meet and get to know lost and unchurched people. Yet, I know that is my most important purpose for being on this earth. I do not think I am in much danger of being rejected, sitting where I am now. Please give me a portion of Your burden, Your love for the lost. Help me do as Jesus and seek them out so that they may be saved. Who today can I share my faith with? Please put someone in my path. Whether they accept or reject is not up to me. Like John the Baptist and like my Lord, I must stay faithful to what You have called me–and every believer–to do. Please undergird my resolve.