Remaining Focused on the Mission, Despite Rejection and Ridicule

Opening

Hello everyone.

This morning, our readings shared a powerful common thread, did you pick up on it? I admit, I had more time to read, research and reflect on it all.

So here’s what I discovered...

It’s a story woven through scripture about rejection, ridicule, and the rebellious hearts of humanity. It's a story we see time and again – in the lives of kings, prophets, apostles, and even Jesus himself.

It's a story we can relate to, isn't it?

We've all felt the sting of rejection, the bite of ridicule. Whether it's a subtle jab from a friend, a dismissive wave from a family member, or outright hostility from the world, these experiences can leave us feeling hurt, discouraged, and even questioning our own worth.

But what if I told you that rejection, in a strange way, can be a catalyst for growth? That it can refine our faith, sharpen our focus, and propel us further into God's purpose for our lives?

This morning, we'll delve into these stories, uncovering the tools they used to navigate these turbulent waters, and discover how we, too, can remain focused on our mission, even when the world tells us to quit.

Reflect on the Text

1. The King's Humility

Our journey begins in the Old Testament, with the story of David's anointing as king over Israel in 2 Samuel 5. Despite being chosen by God, David faced opposition and skepticism from his own people. Some questioned his lineage, others his experience. He was, after all, just a shepherd boy. Yet, David didn't let these doubts deter him. He knew his calling, he trusted in God's promise, and he stepped into his role with courage and conviction, humbling himself before the Lord and leading with strength and wisdom.

2. Finding Refuge in God's Strength

In Psalm 48, we hear the triumphant declaration of a city that has overcome adversity through faith and resilience. "Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain." This psalm reminds us that God's strength is our refuge, even when we face rejection and ridicule. It's a reminder that our identity is not found in the approval of others, but in the unwavering love of our Heavenly Father. We are His beloved, chosen and cherished, regardless of what the world may say.

3. Embracing Weakness, Finding Strength

Moving to the New Testament, we encounter Paul, the apostle who endured countless hardships for the sake of the Gospel. In 2 Corinthians 12, he shares his personal struggle with a "thorn in the flesh," a constant source of pain and weakness. Paul pleaded with God to remove it, but God's response was not what he expected. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness," God told him. Paul embraced his thorn, recognizing that it was through his weakness that Christ's strength was most evident. He found that true power comes not from our own abilities, but from surrendering to God's grace and allowing Him to work through our imperfections.

4. Mission Amidst Mockery

And then we come to Jesus himself, the ultimate example of perseverance in the face of rejection. In the Gospel of Mark 6, we witness the painful scene of Jesus being rejected in his own hometown of Nazareth. His own family and neighbors, the people who watched him grow up, couldn't grasp how the carpenter's son could now teach with such authority and perform miracles. They were amazed, then skeptical, then outright dismissive. "Where did he get these things?" they whispered, diminishing his lineage and his trade. "Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son?"

They rejected him and his message, their hearts hardened in rebellion. Nazareth was a small town, its reputation less than stellar. Remember Nathanael's question: "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" This highlights the depth of rejection Jesus encountered. He was dismissed not just for his message, but for his origins, his family, his very identity.

Sending out the Disciples

The Gospel of Mark tells us that "Jesus could not do many miracles there," not because he lacked the power, but because of their lack of faith. Jesus, recognizing the futility of trying to convince the unconvinced, simply moved on. He didn't sulk or despair; he turned his attention to those who were open to his message. In the words of a popular song, he decided to "let it go" and move forward.

Sometimes, the closer we are to something, the less we value it. Due to their unbelief, those who knew Jesus best missed the blessings he offered. Familiarity, as they say, can breed contempt. Isn’t this perhaps a danger facing many modern churches and Christians alike?!

Undeterred, Jesus sent out his disciples, two by two, a symbol of witness and mutual support. He equipped them with authority and instruction, sending them out to proclaim the good news, to heal the sick, and to cast out demons. He knew they would face opposition, but he also knew the importance of spreading the message beyond the confines of Nazareth. Just as a gardener doesn't give up on a whole field because one seed fails to sprout, Jesus didn't let the rejection in Nazareth stop his mission. He simply moved on to more fertile ground, remaining focused on the mission.

‌What Does It Mean to Us?

‌We may not perform miracles or face rejection in Nazareth, but we do encounter ridicule, disbelief, and closed hearts in our own lives and communities.

‌We humans can be stubborn and resistant to change or things that we don’t understand, especially when it challenges our preconceived notions or comfortable routines. Yet, as followers of Christ, we are called to rise above those feelings and move forward with our mission.

‌We are not here to please people but to please God. When we share the message of Christ and face rejection, we must remember Mother Teresa's wise words: "People are often unreasonable and self-centred. Forgive them anyway." We must forgive their ignorance, their prejudice, their hardness of heart, and pray for them, even as we continue on our path.

‌Forgiveness doesn't mean condoning their behaviour or pretending it doesn't hurt. It means releasing the bitterness and resentment that can take root in our hearts and hinder our own spiritual growth. Forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves, freeing us from the shackles of anger and allowing us to move forward in love and grace.

‌We are called to make disciples, knowing we'll face challenges along the way. But our reward is not in this world; it is in Heaven, where we will be reunited with our Lord and Savior. Our focus is on the Kingdom of God, not the stumbles or setbacks we encounter on our earthly journey.

‌Personal Application

‌Reflect on your own journey. When have you faced rejection or ridicule for your faith? Did it deter you, or did you continue your mission? Perhaps you shared your faith with a friend who scoffed, or a family member who dismissed your beliefs. Maybe you were mocked for your values or excluded because of your convictions.

‌Remember, our journey is not just for us but for the Kingdom of God. Each time we share Christ's message, we plant a seed. Some seeds may fall on rocky ground, but others will find fertile soil and flourish. Our job is to plant, to nurture, to trust in God's timing and grace.

‌And when those seeds don't sprout immediately, or when they face harsh weather, we don't give up. We water them with prayer, we fertilize them with encouragement, and we trust that God will bring about the harvest in His time.

‌Closing

‌As we head home later, I’d like you to remember:

‌Share the light. Spread the message of hope and love, even in the face of darkness. Rise above rejection. Let nothing dampen your enthusiasm for the mission God has entrusted to you. And as John Chrysostom reminds us, "When we suffer anything for Christ's sake, we should do so not only with courage, but even with joy." Lean on God, and others. Facing rejection and opposition is daunting, but having a partner in faith can provide the necessary encouragement and resilience to continue the mission.

‌We have a mission, a purpose, a calling. Let's focus on that above all else. Let's not allow the fear of rejection or the sting of ridicule to silence our voices or stifle our spirits. We are not defined by the opinions of others, but by the love of Christ that lives within us.

‌We must remain focused and steadfast in the mission, despite any opposition; and rely on God’s strength and trusting in His guidance.

‌Prayer

‌Dear Heavenly Father,

‌Our human nature worries about what others think. Remind us that we need only impress you. Our sole purpose is to please you, and fulfilling your mission is our joy.

‌Help us focus on your word, not the hurtful words of others. Give us the strength to share your message with everyone we meet, to love the unlovable, and to forgive those who reject us.

‌Guide us to listen to your voice, share your love, and be your light in the world.

‌In Jesus name we pray,

‌Amen.