Monday Morning Manna: Rejecting Rejection

There are a variety of “don’t likes” in the world, and I suppose some are universal. One universal “don’t like” would be rejection. In fact I don’t think I know anyone who likes rejection. Rejection comes in many forms – rejection of an application; rejection after an interview; rejection by a person; rejection by an organization. I’ve been accepted and I’ve been rejected, both recently enough to inspire this issue of Monday Morning Manna. I prefer rejecting rejection and accepting acceptance. Popular author and speaker, Steve Maraboli says, “Every time I thought I was being rejected from something good, I was actually being re-directed to something better.” I can relate. Plus, when I read the Bible, I feel better about rejection. The Psalmist, perhaps unknowingly spoke of Jesus when he said, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone” (Psalm 118:22). In Acts 4:8-12, Peter identifies the “stone/cornerstone” as Jesus – rejected. Likewise Isaiah prophesied of Jesus, that he would be “despised and rejected by men” (Isaiah 53:3). Jesus said of Himself, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected” (Luke 9:22). Even through the Lord was rejected, the Bible says “the Lord will not reject his people” (I Samuel 12:22, NIV). That’s good news! Colleagues, friends, family members, organizations, even society may reject you, but the Lord will never, ever reject you. So, I’m going to reject rejection this week. How about you?

Dr. Dan Crawford, Senior Professor at Southwestern Baptist Seminary, is the WestCoast Baptist Association’s Spiritual Life & Leadership Mentor. Follow Dan on Twitter @DrDanRC and Facebook www.facebook.com/dan.crawford.