How should Christians respond to rejection when sharing God's message, as seen in Exodus 10:28? The scene in Exodus 10:28 “Pharaoh said to him, ‘Depart from me! Take heed to yourself; do not appear before me again, for on the day you see my face you will die.’ ” (Exodus 10:28) Rejection is not failure • Moses obeyed God perfectly, yet Pharaoh still rejected him. • Jesus prepared His followers: “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first” (John 15:18). • Paul experienced the same: “When they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his clothes” (Acts 18:6). Stay respectful but resolute • Moses did not beg or compromise; he delivered God’s exact words (Exodus 10:29). • Believers are told, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). • “The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone” (2 Timothy 2:24). Leave the outcome to God • God—not Moses—sent the plagues and secured Israel’s release (Exodus 11–12). • Jesus said, “Whoever rejects you rejects Me, and whoever rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me” (Luke 10:16). • Our role: sow and water; “God gave the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6). Know when to walk away • “If anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet” (Matthew 10:14). • Moses left Pharaoh’s presence; he did not force more dialogue (Exodus 10:29). • Walking away is not giving up; it entrusts the hearer to God’s justice and mercy. Guard your heart against bitterness • Moses still interceded for Egypt’s welfare when asked (Exodus 10:17–18). • Stephen, under lethal rejection, prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60). • “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21). Find courage in Christ’s example • “He was despised and rejected by men” (Isaiah 53:3), yet fulfilled His mission. • “Consider Him who endured such hostility…so that you will not grow weary” (Hebrews 12:3). • In rejection we share Christ’s sufferings and His future glory (1 Peter 4:13–14). Practical takeaways for today • Expect opposition; do not personalize it. • Speak truth lovingly, without dilution. • Set healthy boundaries when dialogue closes. • Pray for those who resist; trust God to soften hearts. • Keep proclaiming the gospel—others are ready to listen. |
    |