Unwanted
Unwanted. That can describe an experience that could be painful and isolating. In contemporary society, encountering rejection, isolation, or neglect is not an unusual experience. For various reasons this can occur due to hatred, abandonment, or spite. Whatever the culprit, the unwanted reality is like being tossed into the wind like chaff. If you are living in an experience like this, misery loves company.
Misery Loves Company
It might help to make you aware that there is a man I know quite well that could relate to all these things. He was first accused of being an illegitimate child (John 8:41). They say He was a deceiver (John 7:12), and that He must be plain “nuts” (John 10:20). The poor guy was even accused of being a blasphemer (Mark 2:7). Not only that, but people misunderstood His Words (John 21:22-23) and twisted them into lies (Matthew 26:60-61).
Of course, you know by now that I am talking about my friend Jesus Christ. The rumors that were flying around when He dwelled on earth amid those that hated Him were brutal. Yet, He went about His way undeterred. He was an innocent Man that was accused of crimes He did not commit. Despised, stricken, smitten and afflicted (Isaiah 53:3-4). His rejection ultimately led to His death on the cross. Why did He endure all this?
Unwanted Reality
Jesus willingly accepted this abuse so our sins could be paid in full. The suffering I deserved was taken upon Him for the forgiveness of my sins. What a demonstration of selfless love for those who believe in Him. That truth will give us better understanding now when we go about society and the evil one works at making you “unwanted.” When we face those that question our judgement, ethics, or Christian values. People who will gossip about us and attempt to make us into something we are not. Now it is starting to sound like what the disciples had to endure. We will have to expect to be treated in the same manner (John 15:20).
Turn Rejection Into Reflection
Truth to be told, if you are truly serving the Lord, you are expected to experience these things. If you strive to “do as Jesus did”, you must expect to be lied about, and others will believe the lies. If Jesus is really working within you, I predict you will fall victim to rumors, gossip, slander, and all sorts of things. There is a saying, “If you want to find an Apostle, look under a rock.” However, be comforted to know that Jesus will be under that rock with you. He will be with you when you get attacked in so many unwanted ways. Look to Him, for He will be your strength and shield (Psalm 28:7). His love will enable you to love those who have made themselves your enemy. God’s love will cast out all your fears.
Dear Lord, give me strength when I feel unwanted and help me to turn my rejection into your reflection.
Amen.
John 8:41
John 7:12
John 10:20
Mark 2:7
John 21:22-23
Matthew 26:60-61
Isaiah 53:3-4
John 15:20
Psalm 28:7
— Phil
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Today’s Scripture
John 8:41
You Are of Your Father the Devil
41 You are doing the works your father did.” They said to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Father—even God.”
John 7:12
Jesus at the Feast of Booths
12 And there was much muttering about him among the people. While some said, “He is a good man,” others said, “No, he is leading the people astray.”
John 10:20
I Am the Good Shepherd
20 Many of them said, “He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?”
Mark 2:7
Jesus Heals a Paralytic
7 “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
John 21:22-23
Jesus and the Beloved Apostle
22 Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” 23 So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”
Matthew 26:60-61
Jesus Before Caiaphas and the Council
60 but they found none, though many false witnesses came forward. At last two came forward 61 and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’”
Isaiah 53:3-4
He Was Pierced for Our Transgressions
3 He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.
John 15:20
The Hatred of the World
20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
Psalm 28:7
The Lord Is My Strength and My Shield
7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.