You are so glad to have your sins forgiven. You are so happy to know that Jesus is your Saviour and that you are now in the eternal family of God. It’s also fantastic to be sure of being in Heaven when this life comes to an end. But perhaps you have already found out that not everyone is as happy about it as you are. Maybe a friend or two are acting strange towards you – distant, and you worry that they may be snickering behind your back. It could be your family who is very displeased and disappointed with you.
It’s brutal out there. There will always be those difficult days when it’s so tough to smile. There will be chilly and dark days when the wind is blowing in your face and howling in your ears. Perhaps you have heard someone preach that if you trust Jesus and follow Him, your life will be rich, rosy, robust and radiant. But you have hit a bump, a bad one, and you are starting to wonder about this new life in Christ.
The Lord Jesus was very clear when He spoke to His followers – it wouldn’t be easy following Him. It will not be a stroll through the park! There would be tough times and rough spots. There would be name-calling and ridicule. Sometimes friends and families would turn against a follower of Christ. There could be hurt, hunger and tears. That is what the Lord Jesus told His disciples and those who would become His followers,
Why would this be? Because generally, the world hated Jesus then and still does today. His followers, then, are sure to feel the nasty effects of a world that still rejects Jesus.
Christ talked to His disciples, preparing them for what to expect after He was gone back to Heaven.
“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.” John 15:18-19
Sixty years after the Crucifixion of Christ, the Apostle John wrote Christians and said: “Don’t be surprised brothers, that the world hates you.” 1John 3:13. So today, we shouldn’t be surprised if we feel some rejection either. Christ knows exactly how you feel right now, so talk to Him about it. Tell Him how you are feeling and ask Him to help you stay focused on Him. He felt the hatred and rejection far worse than we will ever experience.
In the early days, the Apostles experienced intense opposition, and at one point, they were called before the authorities. They were beaten and released. How did they respond to such treatment? They left with very, very sore backs but they were “rejoicing that they were considered worthy to suffer shame for His Name.” Acts 5:41
Although the world may consider you an outsider – you are insider with the Lord. You are in the church which is the Body of Christ. (Romans 12:5, 1Corinthians 12:27, Ephesians 4:15-16) You, along with millions of others today and since Acts Chapter 2 make up the Body of Christ. You are not alone!
When you are feeling sad about the way some people are treating you, read about your Saviour and how He was treated. Focus on Christ when you are feeling down. Read one of the four Gospel accounts of His crucifixion. Even though you know the story well, read it prayerfully and devotionally. You will be drawn closer to Him, and before you know it, you will be saying little thankful prayers all over again for His love and care for you.
If someone you love or admire initially dismisses your salvation and your joy in Christ, humbly and graciously listen to their reactions after you have told them what Christ means to you. And then quietly live your changed and joyful life before them every day and pray for them privately. Let them see the proof that Christ satisfies you completely. Actions and behaviour preach a louder sermon than just our words. Look forward to the day when they too will embrace Christ as their Saviour.
Assignment for today:
- Look up these verses and underline the recurring phrase in each verse. Matthew 5:11, 10:18, 10:39, 16:25, Mark 8:35, 10:29, 13:9, Luke 9:24, John 15:21, Acts 9:16 and Revelation 2:3
- Write out John 15:18 and memorize it.
- The Apostle Paul was working really hard for His Lord and Saviour, but he encountered tons of opposition and difficulties. If you want to read how he got through it, look up these verses: 2Corinthians Chapter 4:6-11, 17-18. 2Corinthians 11: 24-28, 12:10
