From Rejection to Reception

Then Isaiah is so bold as to say, “I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me,” (Romans 10:20).

In this passage of Romans, Paul provides us with a glimpse of how the Israelites rejected the Lord who walked with them. It is difficult to fathom why the Israelites would turn their backs toward Him. He delivered them, provided and cared for them, yet their focus on self and acceptance of worldly treasures prevented them from clinging to His mercy and compassion, His love and sacrifice.

Contrastingly, Gentiles found God and received Him with gladness. God’s love expanded out from the Jews and included the Gentiles into His family. That is the loving goodness of our Heavenly Father! He welcomes all people to His family through their belief in His Son, Jesus.

As believers in Christ, we are the Gentiles who responded to an experience, a message, an interaction. In our response, our hardened hearts were convicted of our sins and softened to accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Revelation of a life in Christ overcame us during the surrender of ourselves to Him. We fell in love with His presence in each aspect of our lives. The abiding of His Holy Spirit within us is evident to others as we embrace the future we have with Him. However, we can find ourselves in the same mindset as the Israelites if we do not protect our faith.

As believers, we are responsible for remaining close to God through the study of His Word, prayer, praise, and godly relationships. We seek Him in all things and trust Him through all circumstances. We welcome His presence in our homes, families, friends, work, and community. We refuse to accept the things of this world that deceive us into thinking life outside of Christ is better. We build our foundation on Him and construct barriers to protect us from the enemy’s attacks. Not only do we strengthen our defenses against evil, but we confidently stand on the promises of God and rush toward the battle for others’ souls, emboldened by the wisdom that we are equipped with the armor of God!

Our call to action is to live boldly and confidently in the promises of God. He has extended His redemption, salvation, and reconciliation to us all! No longer are we on the fringe, but we are gathered amongst all believers through the blood of Jesus Christ. Let’s commit to honoring Him through the lives we live! Let’s do it together!

Prayer: Father, You have shown Yourself to us in mighty ways! Thank You for adopting us through the blood of Jesus, including us into Your family that reaches into eternity!  Grow our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus that we may say yes to You when You call us to share our faith. Stand in the gap and bridge the connection for unbelievers to come to know You as their Lord and Savior, that we may all live a life in eternity with You! In Jesus’ precious name we pray, Amen.