Is it too Late? Are we to leave? Go away?
Sometimes Jesus left people or an area and went away
After these things Jesus was walking in Galilee, for He was unwilling to walk in Judea because the Jews were seeking to kill Him.” (John 7:1)
But the Pharisees went out and conspired against Him, as to how they might destroy Him. But Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. (Matthew 12:14-15)
“An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah.” And He left them and went away. (Matthew 16:4)
But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that He had done, and the children who were shouting in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they became indignant and said to Him, “Do You hear what these children are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes; have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies You have prepared praise for Yourself’?” And He left them and went out of the city to Bethany, and spent the night there. (Matthew 21:15–17)
Jesus’ order to the 12 He sent out:
“Any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet for a testimony against them.” (Mark 6:11)
Jesus’ order to disciples:
“Do not give what is holy to dogs, and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” (Matthew 7:6)
What Paul and Barnabas did:
Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first; since you repudiate it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles.” (Acts 13:46)
What are we to do?
Sometimes we are met with repeated rejection. Or hostility. Sometimes with outright hatred for God. Or, of course, sometimes after a “no,” the next time we talk to that person God opens their eyes, ears, and heart.
We’re not omniscient, and we are called to pray and be discerning. Sometimes we are to move on to other people, other groups.
Keep praying
Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart… (Luke 18:1)
With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God. (Mark 10:27)
Ask for discernment.
Sometimes we are to keep talking with that person or group. Sometimes we need to turn our efforts elsewhere, and leave that person/group to the Lord,
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Almighty God, HELP! I want to be salt and light. I want to reflect You. I want to tell others about You. I want to work with the people You have marked out for me. I don’t want to keep going in one place if You want me elsewhere. Please help me discern Your will.
