Shake It Off

The TRUTH has a way of being accepted and embraced by those who are in search of it.  Those who are not in search of THE TRUTH tend to reject it, speak against it, pretend not to hear it, and/or twist it.  

The LORD, in Matthew 10:11-39, told His disciples to perform and to say all that He had given them.  He did not say that everyone would accept the TRUTH.  In fact, Jesus indicated that there would be those who would outright reject the Truth. In fact, He even details family members who will rise against family members in such cases (Matthew 10:21).  There will be times when disciples are to speak in front of and against those that are deemed superior by society's standards (Matthew 10:18).

To those who reject the Truth, He told His disciples to do the following:

"And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet."  Matthew 10:14

In Acts 13:50-52, the disciples are rejected by a group of people, even though the disciples were speaking that which was True.  What did Paul and Barnabus do?  Did they stay and plead with those who were not willing to hear the Truth?  Did they wallow in the people's rejection of the Truth they had shared?

No.   They did precisely what the Lord said to do in such circumstances:

"But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost." Acts 13:51-52

They continued in their specific calling, their ministry.  The Truth continued to be spread in word and in signs & wonders, and "with joy".

We are told in Romans 12:1-2 to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to the Lord.  We are to allow Him to use us as He sees fit, not as man deems acceptable.  Our calling in the Lord must always be taken seriously, and with humble submission we are to obey His every command for us within that calling.   When opposition arises, we are to continue in the calling, being led of the Holy Spirit.

Sacrificing our lives, our comfort, our desires for the Lord's work is reasonable and expected in the eyes of God.  Let that be our only focus.

Will everyone receive your calling in and your yielding to the Lord, even if it is designed to edify them?  No.

Rest in knowing that you have delivered the Truth to them, even though it was rejected.  Then, move on.  Don't allow their rejection to stop you in the calling God has given you.  Period.

Never be ashamed of obeying the Lord.  Shake off the dust of their rejection, and shake off the dust that has settled on your feet as you attempted to share the Truth with them.  Move on.

Continue on your God-directed journey.  There are ears that will hear the Truth.