The God of the Bible from ancient times is known as being a loving and compassionate God who is full mercy and love, especially for those who will come to him.
Christ, the Son of God, was sent to win the hearts of sinners to God so that they could have a full and free relationship with the Lord for eternity. The reality is that God sent Christ into this world even though all had rebelled against God and no one really on their own sought God’s friendship.
When all peoples were still rebels, Christ died to save those who would receive Him as their Savior. Christ came to save the lost no matter what they have done or who they are.
When that happens, God is both our creator and savior.
2. What would Jesus say? I understand rejection, for I was rejected.
(Isa. 53:3; Ezek. 18:21-23; Mt. 26:55-56; Mt. 27; Mk. 3:20-21)
Christ Jesus, who came to earth to save sinners, was rejected.
He was rejected by his own nation and people. He was rejected by his personal followers, the disciples. He was rejected by the leaders of his country. He was even rejected most of his ministry life by his own family.
It was not until he arose from the grave that any of his brothers and sisters believed in him. In fact, the most familiar Old Testament title for him, which was carried over into the N.T., was “Man of Sorrows.”
Rejection is a horrible and tragic thing to endure, but Jesus said, “Anyone who comes to Me, I will not send away/reject!” (John. 6:37).
3. What would Jesus say? I also understand temptation, for I was tempted.
(Heb. 2:17-18; 4:15-16; 12:2-3, 7-11)
The New Testament book of Hebrews makes a rather strong point that Christ Jesus was seriously tempted in every way just as everyone else is tempted, yet was without sin. The Gospels tell the account of Jesus being tempted in the wilderness when he was in his weakest physical condition.
To be tempted is not a sin, but the yielding to the temptation is.
God’s promise is good for you also: “God is faithful who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear, but will with the temptation also provide a way to escape that you may be able to bear up under it” (I Cor. 10:13).
