Title: Risking Rejection
Scripture: Isaiah 53:3
Passage: He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief...
Thoughts: The Christian life has always been a high-risk life. It's not for the weak. Barnabas and Paul were "men who have risked their lives for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 15:26). And even today in many countries, Christians are still risking their lives by following Jesus. In our culture, you probably don't run the risk of being killed for your faith... but you will run the risk of being rejected and having your faith rejected by others. Sometimes that's enough to make Christians silent. They're afraid of rejection, so they choose not to share their Christian convictions. I think we need to be people with enough courage and Holy boldness to take a stand for our Christian faith--and speak the truth of God's Word even if that will cause rejection at times. We have to be prepared to take a few knocks for what we believe! God never said it would be easy---just worth it! Paul said of his sufferings for the sake of the gospel, "I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed..." (2 Timothy 1:12). When you're convinced of what you believe, you can well handle the opposition that will inevitably come. Don't let the fear of rejection silence you! Be prepared to take a risk... to speak up, boldly and out loud, about your faith... even if it does bring you rejection!
To truly and completely follow Jesus, you risk rejection.
But remember that He was rejected too.......for YOU!