Have you been rejected? Has an entire group of people you belong to been rejected? Were you baffled, hurt, distraught at the rejection? Did you seek a means of reconciliation? Do you know there is someone who accepts you? Have you sought to be accepted by God?
We may be rejected by some people. We may be a part of a group that is rejected and despised. This world has many people who believe they are above others and reject those they believe are below them. Discrimination is alive and well in this world.
Discrimination comes in many forms. Some discriminate based on race. Some based on nationality. Some based on gender. Some based on sexual preference. There is discrimination between those living in the city versus those who live in rural areas. Doctors versus nurses. School versus school. It is all based on our personal background and our pride, our self-centeredness.
In some places, it is said that God has rejected Israel. It is a false belief and false statement. He has not rejected them but uses non-Israelites as a means to draw them to him. God’s desire is to save the entire world. He desires that every person accept his offer of salvation and hope.
We, Christians, should not look down at Israelites as people who have failed to accept Jesus. Instead, we should look at them as people who God used to bring salvation and hope to all of us through his Son, Jesus Christ. Not only that, but we are to work for God to spread his message of salvation to all people. God is willing and actively seeking to redeem everyone, including Israel.
I pray we all give thanks for how God has worked through Israel. I pray we pray for Israel’s acceptance of Jesus as Messiah. I pray each one of us will work alongside God to tell others about Jesus. Do not fear rejection. Know that God accepts you. Do not discriminate. Tell others about Jesus. See others as He sees them.
Romans 11:1-2a I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew.
Marty Pressey 