Rejected at Home

2 Samuel 24: 2, 9-17

Mark 6: 1-6

Through the book of Samuel we continue to witness the life of David. We are privileged to see David with all of his short comings and sinfulness. We see in spite of his poor choices God does not withhold his mercy. David humbly accepts responsibility for his lack of wisdom. Again we see David begging the Lord to only punish him and not the innocent. It is because of David's fears that he orders the census of all males who can enter into battle on his behalf. Pride continues to dominate his life's decision. David is constantly being called to change his heart.

The gospel, however, presents a very different picture.

Mark brings into the scene where Jesus is returning to his home town. Surely by now the news has spread back to his tiny village of all the good he has been doing. But the people can only think of one thing; he was the son of a carpenter. Who does he think he is? They could not accept that anything good could come out of his native town, much less from the son of a carpenter.

Whenever I encounter feelings of rejection I remember this scene where Jesus too felt the sting of rejection. So often it happens that those within your own family cannot accept who you are. I think this is especially true if you have had some personal conversion or significant change of heart. You may even be made fun of or ridiculed for the positive changes you have made in your life.

Jesus was clearly surprised by this reception of rejection. It affected him so profoundly that he was only able to preform minor miracles of healing only a few. When your loved ones do not believe in you it can give rise to feelings self doubt.

Now I am not trying to imply that Jesus was suffering from self doubt, but he did not expect this response from those he had known his whole life. He was so shocked that he comments on their lack of faith...in Mark 6:6 "He was amazed at their lack of faith."

This is such a contrast from the examples of faith we saw in yesterday's readings with the hemorrhagic woman and Jairus. We can all be encouraged through their examples of faith. They cooperated in their heart with Jesus' healing power.

I think perhaps Jesus could not work as many miracles while among his childhood friends because of their lack of faith. In order for something positive to take place in your life you must first believe that it is possible. Our faith works hand and hand together with the power of Jesus. When we exercise our faith we complement what the Lord can accomplish. We are working together with him, not against him.

I am not trying to imply that Jesus will only heal those who believe, because after all he is God and God can do all things. God can use all things for good.

When you are feeling rejected by those who love you, remember this time period in the life of Jesus. Remember that in spite of the great things he had been doing he was still rejected at home. He was still rejected by those who had known him the longest. He was rejected by those who also knew his parents.

Jesus, because he was human, experienced the same feelings that you and I experience. "He was amazed at their lack of faith."

We tend to forget that whatever feelings we may experience; we can come to the Lord with those feelings because he knows our pain. He has, through his own personal experience, been in our place. Talk to the Lord about your heart aches and feelings of rejection. Believe that He will be there for you.

I chose this original picture with the word faith spelled out in large letters because these five letters have great meaning for my life.

I chose this kaleidoscope image because the solid blue circle reminds me that my faith supports me both inside my heart and outside through my actions.

Dear Lord, only you know where my faith needs to be increase. Help my unbelief!