Shake It Off (repost)

In Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus instructed us to go out and share the gospel with others. However, it can be hard at times. Sometimes the word may not be received. Some may find it hard to believe in something they can’t see. I have even heard of people turning their backs because they were hurt by other Christians. Jesus addressed this issue in Mark 6:1-11.

When Jesus got to Nazareth, He started teaching in the synagogue. The people that heard Him teaching wondered where He had gotten so much wisdom from. Because they knew His family, they were offended by what He was saying. Jesus didn’t get upset. Instead He said, “A prophet is not without honor, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.”. Jesus did what He could for the people in Nazareth by laying hands and healing some of them, then He left.

It would be wonderful if everyone we shared the gospel with gave their lives to Christ. But the truth is,  it won’t happen like that. I’m not being doubtful I’m am just being honest. Jesus knew it would be like that. That is why in verse 11 He gave us instructions on how to handle those that don’t receive Him. It says “And whosoever shall not receive you nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the Day of Judgment than for that city.”  Jesus tells us to simply shake it off and move on.

James 4:17 says ”Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”  Once the truth is shared with someone, the consequences of their actions are on them. It is worse for those that hear the truth and chose not to follow God than for those that don’t hear at all ( 2 Peter 2:20-21).

Woman of God, don’t let doubt from an unbeliever discourage you. Continue to do the work of the Lord. If you do encounter someone that refuses to accept Christ, keep them in prayer. God just has to work on them a little more.