Brace for Rejection

None of us enjoy rejection in all of its forms.  We are made to want to be loved and affirmed. That only exists perfectly in heaven.  In this world, we will face rejection.  In the gospel of John, Jesus made it clear that if the world hated the master, it would certainly hate the servant. If the world hated the Messiah, it would certainly hate his followers.

Jesus said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’  If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me” (Jn. 15:18-21).  Jesus went on to tell his followers that he was alerting them to the upcoming rejection so that, when it happened, they would not be surprised and fall away.

When Jesus spoke of this impending persecution, Peter, of course, swore that he would follow Jesus even to his death.  Within a few hours, Peter had denied Jesus three times.  Part of that, I’m sure, was because Peter had not had time to digest what was coming.  When he was suddenly faced with the mob that had come to Gethsemane to arrest Jesus and with the power of Rome and the Jewish Sanhedrin in the dark streets of Jerusalem, his courage failed and he denied knowing his Savior.

It is clear that the world we live in today still hates Jesus because Satan still has a grip on most of this planet.  The division in this nation currently is evidence of this great divide.  Biblical values have been under attack for decades now.  It began with no prayer in schools or at sporting events. Then we removed the Ten Commandments from court houses. Then we began normalizing and celebrating the very thing for which God destroyed Sodom.  Declaring what the Word has to say about homosexuality has been labeled hate speech. Christian businesses have been taken to court numerous times because they did not want to participate in same sex marriages, gay pride, etc.  Abortion for any cause is still being pursued and pressed to become federal law instead of states deciding. Parental rights regarding children who think they want to transition are being denied in multiple states. Parallel to these issues, anti-Semitic groups and activities have sprung up all over America…even on college campuses.  In addition, anyone who opposes Islam getting a strong foothold in America is labeled a bigot and an Islamophobe, even though the Quran commands all faithful Muslins to be avowed enemies of Christianity and Israel…either subjugating or annihilating them.

What we are watching is a clear line being drawn between American liberal culture and Christianity.  It is widening year by year.  Unless there is a great revival in America, within a few more years the culture will clearly label followers of Jesus as evil.  As the world continues to call evil good and good evil (by biblical standards), persecution will ramp up toward those who hold biblical values. Believers are already labeled as intolerant bigots, haters, racists, fascists, and so forth.  That will increase. We should not be surprised.  Jesus said it would be so.

Francis Frangipane, in his book The Days of His Presence, wrote that in the last days every human will be fully possessed…either by God or by Satan.  We are seeing that come to pass.  Even now, those demonized by the enemy cannot have a rational discussion with those who have a different viewpoint – especially a biblical viewpoint.  They can only rage and express  loathing and disdain at those with whom they do not agree.  That is the heart of the world toward those in the kingdom.

So, as Jesus warned his disciples then that the world would hate them, he warns us now.  We should prepare our hearts and minds for that eventuality. It will take great faith to weather the storm for we are called not only to suffer but to love and bless those who are persecuting us. My hope is for revival in America and a national renewal of godly values…at least for another generation.  But if that does not come, persecution, slander, discrimination, etc, will surely come and it will come quickly. Don’t be surprised.  Jesus said it would.

But he also assured us, he, will be with us.  Ask God to prepare you for those days if they are coming.  Make up your mind that you will stand and speak the truth in love…not just against the government but even in the face of friends and family members coopted by the enemy.

Compromising a little with the world so that we might continue to get along is not an option for those who truly follow Jesus. We need to make up our minds to that now and pray for a heart that does not deny Jesus (even a little), hoping the world will still tolerate us.  These are the end times.  Paul wrote, “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Tim 3:1-5).  He was talking about religious people not just those who fully embrace the world.

Prepare yourself. Don’t be surprised when it happens.  Ask for greater faith and trust him when you experience rejection, abuse, discrimination at work, political targeting, and so forth. Decide now to bless your enemies even as they curse you.  It may not be today or even tomorrow, but it is coming and can come more quickly than we imagine. Remember, God has made you for this time and he will give you the grace to face every challenge. Blessings in Him.