Context for Rejection

Scripture: The Message that points to Christ on the Cross seems like sheer silliness to those hellbent on destruction, but for those on the way of salvation it makes perfect sense. This is the way God works, and most powerfully as it turns out. 1 Corinthians 1:18

Observation: Paul begins his letter to the church at Corinth with encouragement about who they are, what they believe, and why it is that other factions in the city - perhaps people with more power and authority - are not joining in the faith. This is where Paul will delineate between how different people-groups come to faith, some by seeing miracles, some through logic, but the important method is preaching the truth about salvation through 'Christ crucified'. In this, he points out a truth that has remained true for millennia ... for those who are "hellbent on destruction" (aka completely reject the idea of God), the idea of Jesus bringing salvation through death and resurrection is the epitome of crazy nonsense.

Application: As I said, this fact has remained true to this very day. When we as Christians talk about salvation through belief in Jesus, those who are so far removed from God that they reject the idea that he exists consider us as if we are crazy. I have heard them use the words crazy, delusional, and mentally unstable. I have also heard much worse and more sinister ... that we are dangerous cultists, and a hate organization out to destroy society.

Here's the point. This is expected and known behavior, and has been for centuries. It is sad to be certain that large components of society are so deceived by the evil one that they have rejected the Lord. However, out of the basis of that rejection, their response to the gospel message is just ... normal. Of course they think we are crazy, just like dozens and dozens of generations in the past thought the same way. It's not personal against us, or unique to our time in history.

Prayer: Lord, I pray today for all those who think we Christians are crazy, and especially for those who so deeply believe it that they would openly declare it and fight against us. I know there will come a time when even they, faced with indisputable facts, bow to you, but in the meantime they are struggling with life and have no way of even knowing why. Yet even though they reject you, you have not rejected them. May many of them discover you before it is too late. Amen.