Fifth Sunday in Easter - Rejection Is Nothing
Goes along with Kids Devotion of the same title.
Jesus trusted in God’s words about him, and we can trust in God’s words about us!
Read 1 Peter 2:2-10.
Bible Focus: “As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house.” -1 Peter 2:4-5a
When Jesus was on Earth, he experienced rejection in many forms. People rejected his teaching, his miracles, his disciples, his status, even his life. However, Jesus trusted in his Father’s words at his baptism:
“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17)
All of the rejection Jesus received meant nothing compared to his Father’s words. He knew that he was chosen and precious in God’s eyes. He knew that he was his Father’s cornerstone, upon which every other believer would be built.
Like Jesus, we experience rejection. We might hope to enter into a relationship, and be turned down. We might apply for a job, and never get a call back. We might share the love of Jesus with our neighbor, and be dismissed. But we, too, can trust in the words spoken at our own baptisms. You might have heard these verses:
“Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority on heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’” (Matthew 28:18-19)
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” (Mark 16:16a)
“Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you.” (1 Peter 3:21)
In addition, you might have heard phrases similar to these, found in the Lutheran Service Book:
“[Your name], receive the sign of the holy cross both upon your forehead and upon your heart to mark you as one redeemed by Christ the crucified.”
“The almighty God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given you the new birth of water and of the Spirit and has forgiven you all your sins, strengthen you with his grace to life everlasting.”
Certainly, you heard this:
“[Your name], I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
All of the rejection we receive here on Earth means nothing compared to God’s words about us. We are living stones, as Jesus is. We are chosen by God and precious to him. We are continuously being built up in faith. God’s Spirit dwells in us.
If you have not been baptized, please, reach out to your pastor. It is the gift of God for you!
Your challenge this week:
The next time you experience rejection, thank God for choosing you.
Please pray:
Heavenly Father, I praise you for choosing me. I confess that when I am rejected, I find it difficult to move on. Thank you for speaking words of forgiveness and love for me. I ask you to help me keep those in my heart. In your Son’s name I pray, Amen.
