Rejected for God’s Glory

I have been active in sports, music, academics, and leadership since childhood. I often auditioned for parts in plays, positions in orchestras, or tried out for sports teams. While the results were usually favorable, occasionally, I felt the sting of rejection. The disappointment of not getting what I set out for was hard, but I recovered and move to the next goal.

Many of us have desired something and gone after it. Maybe you applied for a job or initiated a new friendship only to be met with a denial of your request. This can be disheartening. At other times, we look to do the right thing in our neighborhoods, workplaces, friend groups, or relationships, but face rejection.

Matthew 21:42 (NLT) says, Then Jesus asked them, “Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures? ‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is wonderful to see.’”

Perhaps you were rejected for doing right. If so, you are in good company. Jesus was rejected even though He was perfect, and without any blame. Maybe you stood for truth, but lies all around seemed to prevail. Psalm 37:6 reveals, He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun. God has a way of making your righteousness shine, even when darkness is all around. Wait for God to shape you into something greater and use the rejection as a key point in your life where He will build magnificent things.

During the building process, things can still feel discouraging, and we may feel all alone. Thankfully, Jesus understands our concerns and has experienced similar emotions. Jesus is familiar with grief, disappointment, and sorrow. Isaiah 53:3 says, He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.

The same Jesus who was despised and rejected many centuries ago relates to any rejection we face today. This is good news for our hearts, our souls, and our spirits. We belong to a Savior who is acquainted with the pain of rejection and knows how to overcome it victoriously.

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, we ask You to comfort us during moments of rejection. Remind us that Your Son, Jesus, was rejected by man, yet the church has Him as its chief cornerstone. May our lives be built on Him and Him alone. When we are weak, may we lean on the Rock of Jesus that forever stands. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Scripture is quoted from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.