It’s Time to Move Forward

Walk Into New Territories

Have you ever dealt with the seeping wounds of rejection? The distinguished pain, discomfort and displeasure that derive from those wounds cannot be forgotten. First, there’s the discomfort you feel as the wounds are being created from the realization that you aren’t welcomed. Then comes the pain, because those wounds are very real, and the silent pursuit to understand why you’re the outcast just intensifies those feelings. And finally, there’s the discomfort in reliving moments emotionally, mentally, and sometimes physically, because some people just aren’t changing their minds about you. Rejection sucks!

However, if we must, the ultimate undeserving, award goes to none other than the Savior of all humanity, Jesus Christ. He is the most rejected on the earth today and has been for over two thousand years.

But truly, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, for many of you, your season of dusting off your feet has now arrived. If you are slightly clueless of what this expression means, you may be relieved to know that it comes directly from the mouth of Jesus Himself, and it signifies a powerful response to rejection.

One day, Jesus was preparing to send His disciples on a mission to do mighty works in the towns of Galilee. Jesus was a great teacher, and would always give the disciples thorough instructions. In Matthew chapter 10, Jesus made sure that His disciples understood the significance and value of their works for the Kingdom of God. He encouraged them to only dwell amongst the people who were worthy of receiving those works, and to remove themselves from those who weren’t willing to embrace them. In Matthew 10:14 (NIV), Jesus stated, “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.” He then explained that the consequences of those who rejected them would be unbearable. It is dangerous to reject a servant sent by God.

Dusting off your feet was a Jewish gesture that signified one’s departure from people who rejected the Kingdom of God or the gospel. It meant that the disciple no longer saw the people as worthy of sharing the good news due to their refusal to accept it. These people would then be subject to whatever consequences that followed. In Matthew 7:6 (NIV) Jesus taught the same principle saying, “Don’t cast your pearls before swine and Don’t give what is Holy unto the dogs.” In other words, be selective of your audience because some will refuse to see any value in your message.

Rejection in any circumstance can be life altering and is powerful enough to ignite self-sabotaging thoughts and behaviors. People who face rejection have the tendency to point the finger at the mirror with anger and frustration because the authentic reason for the rejection is sometimes hidden behind the actions of others. Other times, people may openly express their disapproval with the rejected, but have no intentions on reasoning with them. Either way, rejection can have long-lasting effects, even from childhood to the end of life, therefore, choosing the best response to rejection is critical for our present and future.

Jesus taught His disciples about their worth and power, and they were confident for the mission. He also knew that they would face rejection on their journey, and that the right response to rejection would be a critical factor in the completion and effectiveness of their ministry. What if Jesus chose to forfeit His ministry in response to the rejection, lies, and persecution He often faced? Humanity would be doomed.

Even as Jesus’ disciples today, we are still expected to abide by His principles in response to rejection. Not only when sharing the good news, but in every circumstance. Jesus is still ultimately rejected today, and intimately knows the physical, mental, and emotional agony that it brings.

I pray that God will continue to reveal His Love and Approval for you as His beloved child, and that you will no longer remain in territories that are unworthy of your greatness.

Love,

– Dr. M. Monae