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Luke 6:20-23 <- Click to read now
If we didn’t know before, we do know now; those who reject Jesus will also reject his followers. We wee it here in the Beatitudes from Luke, we see it in the same from Matthew, and the books of Mark and Luke give several examples as well.
“Leap for joy,” is what we’re told. I’m sure it’s as hard for you as it is for me to consider leaping for joy over being rejected. Yet, this is what will keep us centered on Jesus. To know Jesus is to know his suffering.
In Philippians 3, Paul wrote, “Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord.” He went on to write about his desire to know Jesus and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead, but also “to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!”
Knowing Jesus brings this into our lives. Truly knowing Jesus compels us to hang our guilt, our shame, and our sinful desires on the cross to be crucified. We die to those things so we might experience new life with Christ. And when we are rejected, we know our Savior was rejected. He knows what we feel in rejection, and he heals us from those wounds. Yes, that is a reason to leap for joy! Let’s pray.
Heavenly Father, I am sure we would all rather not face rejection because of Jesus. We would rather see lives turned over to You because of Jesus. But Lord, when rejection comes, encourage us in the Holy Spirit to hold fast to Your grace. Encourage us through the power that raised Christ from the dead, that You bring us into new life now and new life in eternity. May we ever praise You for this amazing grace. Amen.