John 1:5, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not understood it.”

Have you ever been rejected? Probably at some point or another, we all have. For some, rejection has occurred quite frequently. To be excluded, to be shunned, to be cast aside, to be made to feel of no value for whatever reason.  Those are the experiences and feelings no one wants to have. Imagine however if the very people who refused you were the ones you came to save? Imagine the people who treated you in such a manner were the people you were trying to rescue, the people you were willing to die for, the people you gave your all to love.

This verse in John tugs at my heart because it explains the intent of Christ and the manner in which humanity received him. He came as the light of the world, the answer to our imminent death, the Savior of mankind; yet, we had become so familiar with ‘darkness’ that we did not recognize what God was trying to do.

I often wonder what I would’ve done if I lived in Jesus’ time. Would I have readily accepted Him? Would I have known He was the King the prophets talked about? I’m not sure. And what about now, 2000 years since His birth? Do we accept Him fully or are there parts of us that still reject Him?

Not too long ago, I came across a wounded bird in the field. He appeared dazed and stunned either by hitting a tree or a car window. I didn’t know. As I carried him in my hand back to my house, I noticed his beautiful feathers and coloring. His breast was spotted with brush strokes and his wings were several shades of brown. The details alone on this bird blew my mind. I couldn’t fathom the time God had taken just on this particular bird. How much He must love His creations!  As I viewed that  bird, I couldn’t help but realize God’s grace in us.  As the Psalmist has said, we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”  Like the bird, the intricacies of the human body mesmerize the careful observer.  I am amazed at the magnitude of God’s love for us.

Yet, by our lifestyles we reject Him.  Today I challenge you to listen to His voice.  Choose to embrace Him as Lord of your life.  Instead of choosing to reject Him and walk in darkness, allow the light of His voice and life to fill your daily experience.  He deserves to be accepted by us.