Rejection

Rejection is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, often experienced by God's chosen people, prophets, and even Jesus Christ Himself. It serves as a testament to the challenges faced by those who stand firm in their faith and mission.

In the Old Testament, rejection is evident in the lives of the prophets. For instance, Jeremiah faced significant opposition and rejection from his own people. Despite his warnings and prophecies, the people of Judah refused to listen, leading to their eventual downfall (Jeremiah 7:27-28: "When you tell them all these things, they will not listen to you. When you call to them, they will not answer. Therefore you must say to them: ‘This is the nation that would not listen to the voice of the LORD their God and would not accept discipline. Truth has perished; it has disappeared from their lips.'").

The ultimate example of rejection is found in the New Testament with Jesus Christ. Despite His teachings, miracles, and fulfillment of prophecy, Jesus was rejected by many, including the religious leaders of His time. John 1:11 states, "He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him." This rejection culminated in His crucifixion, an act that was both a fulfillment of prophecy and a pivotal moment in God's redemptive plan.

The apostles also faced rejection as they spread the Gospel. In Acts 13:46 , Paul and Barnabas boldly addressed the rejection by the Jews: "Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: 'It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.'"

Rejection, while painful, is portrayed in Scripture as an expected part of the Christian journey. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast, knowing that their reward is not of this world. Jesus Himself warned His followers of the world's rejection in John 15:18-19 : "If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world."

Mission

The concept of mission in the Bible is rooted in God's desire to reconcile humanity to Himself. It is the divine mandate given to believers to spread the message of salvation through Jesus Christ to all nations.

The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:19-20 , is the cornerstone of Christian mission: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This command underscores the global scope of the mission and the assurance of Christ's presence with His followers.

In the Old Testament, the mission of God's people was to be a light to the nations. Israel was chosen to demonstrate God's holiness and love to the world. Isaiah 49:6 highlights this calling: "He says, 'It is not enough for you to be My servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob and restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make you a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.'"

The New Testament expands this mission through the work of the apostles and the early church. The Book of Acts records the spread of the Gospel from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, driven by the power of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 captures this mission: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

The mission is not without challenges, as rejection and persecution often accompany the proclamation of the Gospel. However, believers are encouraged to persevere, knowing that their labor is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 exhorts, "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

In summary, rejection and mission are intertwined themes in the Bible, reflecting the reality of the Christian journey and the call to share the Gospel despite opposition.