GOSPEL MESSAGE
REJECTERS
BY DR. MERVYN ABREO
Here
are given examples of the Gospel being rejected, even given by the greatest of
messengers, Jesus and Paul! This was because they preferred the honor, glory and
position they enjoyed here on earth, rather than the riches that awaited them
in heaven!
PILATE: At the
trial of Jesus, Pilate was on the judgment seat. He knew that Jesus was
innocent, and that the Jewish leadership had brought false accusations against
Him, purely out of envy. And so Pilate wanted to release Him!
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And
when he learnt that Jesus claimed to be God, he was all the more afraid. (John
19: 7, 8).
Further,
when he was on the judge’s seat, ‘his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have
anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today
in a dream because of Him.” (Mathew 27: 19).
And
as the trial proceeds, with all this background information in mind, he asks
Jesus weather He was a king. To which Jesus replies, “You are right in saying I
am a King. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I
came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth
listens to Me.”
Here
was the greatest opportunity for Pilate to accept the truth and set Jesus free.
He would lose his elated position here on earth, but gain an even greater one
in heaven, for all eternity. And be forever called as the man who released the
greatest ‘Releaser’ of all time.
But
he scoffed at the opportunity given by Jesus, and instead retorted, “What is
truth,” thereby terminating the trial and condemning Jesus to an inglorious
death. (John 18: 36 - 40).
FELIX: During
one of Paul’s missionary journeys, he was arrested and put on trial under
Felix, the governor. An opportunity arose for Paul to deliver the Gospel
message, when Felix sent for him and listened to him. But when the Apostle
spoke about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid,
and stopped any further discussion.
His
fear was the best thing that could have happened, for, as the prophet had said,
‘’ so
is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but
will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
(Isaiah 55:11).
It
achieves conviction which leads to repentance and salvation.
Or
it brings about rejection which
leads to condemnation.
He
could have responded with repentance, and received salvation. Instead, he
rejected the message. And was condemned!
The reason for his response? He wanted a bribe
from Paul! Not, so much, for the money, but in order to discredit the message by discrediting the messenger! (Acts
24: 24 – 26).
KING AGRIPPA:
Paul, accused by the Jews, is on trial. The Apostle speaks about his own
conversion, and expounds how Jesus delegated him to spread the Gospel, and
about his own journey in doing so.
At
one stage, during the proceedings, Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in
such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”
And
Paul’s reply is that not only him, but also all those listening to him, may
become Christians. But none did! (Acts 26: 1 – 28).
Here too, the message was given, was rejected,
and they were condemned!
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Dear friend,
I
look forward to getting your feedback. Do write in to me at:
drmervynabreo@gmail.com
………………………………………………………………….
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