Why it Matters - Rejection

Readings for today: 1 Samuel 4-8

No one likes rejection. Particularly when you have spent a lifetime serving a particular people or a particular cause. Samuel dedicated his entire life to serving the Lord and Israel. He led them for decades, serving as their spiritual, political, military, and primary religious leader. He led them faithfully and well which was a significant change of pace from Eli and his sons. He restored the true worship of God, calling the people to let go of their idols. He won a major military victory over the Philistines at Mizpah. Sadly, as he grew older, his sons did not follow his example. They walked in the footsteps of the sons of Eli, the former priest, taking bribes and perverting justice. As a result, the people rejected Samuel and called for a king.

As a pastor, I know a little bit of how this feels. Rejection is part of the job description. Every pastor knows what it feels like to walk with an individual or family in crisis. On call 24/7 for them. Sacrificing all kinds of time and energy to serve them. Offering them our best guidance and wisdom from God’s Word. Only to have them walk away when things get better. Leave the church because things didn’t turn out the way they wanted. Be attacked publicly for not meeting their expectations. It hurts every single time. But in those moments, I’ve learned to turn to these words from 1 Samuel. “The Lord said to Samuel, “Do everything the people request of you. For it is not you that they have rejected, but it is me that they have rejected as their king. Just as they have done from the day that I brought them up from Egypt until this very day, they have rejected me and have served other gods. This is what they are also doing to you.” (‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭8‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NET‬‬) I find these words comforting though I am cautious about equating someone’s rejection of me with a rejection of God. However, when an individual refuses to submit themselves to Scripture or the process of forgiveness and reconciliation laid out in Scripture, I do recognize something bigger is going on than just a rejection of me personally and that helps me gain perspective.

It also gives me an occasion to reflection on my own life. Where am I rejecting God as king? Where am I rejecting the Lordship of Christ in my life? Where am I seeking to compromise and live just like my unbelieving neighbors? Where am I giving into the temptation to pursue the American Dream over the call to deny myself and follow Jesus? You see, this isn’t just everyone else’s issue. It’s mine as well. And it brings me to my knees confession and repentance before the Lord.

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Samuel 9-12

Handling Rejection

Readings for today: 1 Samuel 9-12, Psalms 80

Raise your hand if you like rejection? That’s what I thought. No one does. I hate it. Over the course of my life, I’ve been rejected by girls I’ve asked out. Colleges I wanted to attend. Promotions I thought I’d earned. I was rejected by the first seminary I applied to and countless numbers of churches I contacted when I was graduating from seminary looking for a pastoral position. I’ve had ideas rejected that I believed would rejuvenate dying ministries. I’ve had visions rejected that I believed would transform the church. I’ve been personally rejected by congregational members whom I disappointed for some reason along the way. None of it’s easy. All of it hurts. Perhaps that’s why I like Samuel so much. He struggles with rejection as well. 

Samuel is as faithful a man as it gets in the Bible. A man who dedicates his whole life to serving God and His people. Samuel has judged Israel for decades. Given his heart and soul to them. He has led them in war and in peace. Through seedtime and harvest. In every season of life, he has been there for them. Faithfully praying for them. Faithfully serving them. Faithfully loving them and pointing them back to Yahweh. But now that he’s old, they reject him. Or at least that’s how he feels. “But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, "Give us a king to judge us." (1 Samuel 8:6 CSB) He knew the shortcomings of his sons. He knew they didn’t walk in his ways. That didn’t make their words sting any less. Samuel experienced Israel’s desire for a king as a repudiation of all he had accomplished over the course of his life. That’s a hard place to be. 

But Samuel doesn’t just look to the opinions of people. He also looks to God. And in the midst of his disappointment, he does this extraordinary thing...he prays. And as he prays, God changes his perspective. “As for me, I vow that I will not sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you. I will teach you the good and right way. Above all, fear the Lord and worship him faithfully with all your heart; consider the great things he has done for you. However, if you continue to do what is evil, both you and your king will be swept away.” (1 Samuel‬ ‭12‬:‭23‬-‭25‬ ‭CSB‬‬‬) Samuel had indeed judged Israel well for years but God had done so for centuries. Samuel had indeed led them in war and in peace but God had delivered them from slavery in Egypt, led them through the wilderness, conquered the Promised Land, and been faithful to them even in the midst of their unfaithfulness. Samuel had given his heart and soul to them but it was nothing compared to what God had done for them so even here at the end of his career, in the midst of his disappointment, Samuel remains faithful.  

Where have you been disappointed in your life? Rejected? Betrayed? How did you respond? God calls Samuel to not only forgive but to actually anoint Israel’s new king. Who is God calling you to forgive? And how is God calling you to take the next step?

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Samuel 13-14, Psalms 81