Luke 10:16 “He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”

Along with Matthew 10:40, this verse has implications that boggle the mind. Paul also spoke of believers being Christ’s representatives. (2 Corinthians 5:20) Some would be so foolish as to make this a source of pride or conceit, trying to put the focus on themselves instead of on Christ. That certainly accomplishes nothing good! However, if we keep the focus on Christ where it belongs, this should be a strong source of hope and encouragement for every believer. At issue isn’t the vessel, but the contents. Paul expressed that clearly in 2 Corinthians 4:7, saying we are like fragile, low-fired earthenware pots, not worth a second glance except for what, or rather Who, is in us. Jesus’ statement that Luke recorded should make us feel sorry for those who reject the Gospel we seek to share with them. The natural human reaction to rejection is hurt and anger, but this makes it clear that it should be pity. In the verses just ahead of this Jesus speaks a rather severe doom on the towns that rejected Him, and here He is saying that those who reject the Gospel through us are putting themselves in the same place. That shouldn’t keep us from sharing, but it should go a long way in protecting us from taking rejection personally.

Every missionary in Japan has probably thought about these verses many times. The Matthew passage raises many questions of what it is to receive, but this one is a bit easier to understand. The longer I minister here, the more aware I am of what a cracked, insignificant pot I am. Even so, some listen to what God says through me, and they will be blessed. It is the ones who refuse to listen who break my heart. I am not to give up on them, but neither am I to take their rejection personally. I am to pray God’s mercy on them, that the Holy Spirit would indeed convict them of sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:8) so that they may repent and believe, for their salvation. I am never to hold myself in the place of Christ, but at the same time I am to recognize that I am indeed His ambassador and representative, and speak and act accordingly. I should never do anything inappropriate to that! Any time my focus shifts from Him to me, I am wrong and in danger. I need to walk with humility, gratitude, and assurance that He will indeed use me to bring people into His kingdom for His glory.

Father, thank You for this Word this morning. There are so many distractions! Yesterday seemed crazy, with so many different things going on at once. Thank You that each thing got taken care of in turn. Today also has a variety of things coming up. Help me be sensitive and obedient to You in whatever You add to my schedule, not resenting anyone or anything but allowing Your grace and love to pour through me, so that all who will receive may indeed do so, for their blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!