Rejection by people, accepted by Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:9) makes all the difference in the world with a story about Campbell Morgan.

SCRIPTURE: 1 Thessalonians 5:9 (TM)

God didn't set us up for an angry rejection but for salvation by our Master, Jesus Christ.

STORY as told by Rick Thompson:

Campbell Morgan was one of 150 young men who sought entrance to the Wesleyan ministry in 1888. He passed the doctrinal examinations, but then faced the trial sermon. In a cavernous auditorium that could seat more than 1,000 sat three ministers and 75 others who came to listen. When Morgan stepped into the pulpit, the vast room and the searching, critical eyes caught him up short. Two weeks later Morgan's name appeared among the l05 REJECTED for the ministry that year.

Jill Morgan, his daughter-in-law, wrote in her book, A Man of the Word, "He wired to his father the one word, 'Rejected,' and sat down to write in his diary: 'Very dark everything seems. Still, He knoweth best.' Quickly came the reply: 'Rejected on earth. Accepted in heaven. Dad.'"

In later years, Morgan said: "God said to me, in the weeks of loneliness and darkness that followed, 'I want you to cease making plans for yourself, and let Me plan your life.'" Rejection is rarely permanent, as Morgan went on to prove. Even in this life, circumstances change, and ultimately, there is no rejection of those accepted by Christ.

OBSERVATION:

At every turn we fight rejection. Rejection is not a good feeling regardless from which source it comes. And yet, it is a reality of our very existence. In small ways and large; in simple ways and elaborate; in important situations and mundane circumstances rejection stands at the door to pass judgment on us. It does not feel good.

Morgan learned a valuable lesson from his father. Namely, “there is no rejection of those accepted by Christ.” Once we are able to move beyond what other people might think of us then we are truly free and are able to live with the holy boldness of our relationship with Christ. We stop second guessing ourselves and in the confidence of our relationship with Christ move forward for the Kingdom.

Oh, people can and do pull the rug out from underneath us (or at least try to) … but if we stay the course the victory will be Christ’s and Kingdom’s work will be accomplished. Every pastor worth his or her salt has experienced this as one member or another decides to go worship someplace else or just quits coming ... because of the pastor. But, if Christ has called them and us to the hour he will see us through to the end. Stay the course, accept the consequences and the victory will be His!  

PRAYER:

Thank you for accepting us as we are. Give us the strength to follow you regardless of what others might think or say.