Unconditional Acceptance: Victory Series, Part 54
"But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly
work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out
for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you - from
nothing to something, from rejected to accepted." (1 Peter
2:9-10 The Message)
Have you ever experienced rejection? If you haven't, you must be from outer
space, as even the Creator of the world experienced utter rejection the moment
He was born.
Having a wonderful family is nice, but can you honestly say that you are
unconditionally accepted at home? Or have you heard whisperings behind your back
and seen finger waging?
Adam's family had its troubles, with one brother killing another. Jacob's family
was far from ideal, with all of Joseph's brothers jumping at the occasion to
sell him off as a slave to an Egyptian overlord. Even Jesus' family was far from
ideal, as his brothers and sisters openly criticized him: "When his family heard
about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, 'He is out of his
mind.'" (Mark 3:21 NIV)
What about your friends, your spouse, your children, your boss...?
I know an elderly lady who experienced rejection ever since she was a child. She
was neglected by her own dad who had no time for her, as both of his mistresses
required too much of his attention. All she needed was some time with her dad, a
tiny wish that was never fulfilled.
When she grew up into a beautiful woman and married the guy of her dreams, she
decided that none of her kids would ever experience rejection. She put her heart
into this matter. Her marriage was not the best, as there was constant fighting,
but at least she had her kids. Or so she thought.
One day to her horror, one of her sons, now forty years old, ended up in prison.
She did everything in her power to find a way to release him, even found the
best lawyer in the country. She was eventually successful and he was released
into her custody. Oh, the happy days were back! She pampered him, spoiled him,
did anything to brighten his life. But her son didn't return her affection. In
fact, the more she did for him, the more he hated her. Eventually he succeeded
in having access to her funds, and he spent all of her retirement savings. He
ended up in prison again.
During this time dedicated to indulging this son she loved, this poor lady
distanced herself from family and friends. Sadly, she never experienced
acceptance.
How different this is with God. He accepts us unconditionally! No questions
asked. It doesn't matter what we did in the past. The moment we turn to Him, He
accepts us with open arms. Not only this, but He adopts us into His family and
treats us as princes and princesses from on high! "I'll be a Father to you;
you'll be sons and daughters to me." (2 Cor 6:18 The Message)
There's truly "no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Rom 8:1 NIV)
Why wait? Why linger in rejection and non-acceptance? It won't get any better!
Come to the One who will not only accept us unconditionally, but lead us to
utter victory instead! Get to know Him, and when you do, you will discover a
truly forever friend and trust will become a strong bond between the
two of you.
Rejection can really become a thing from the past!
Rob Chaffart