Despised and Rejected

It's funny how, in this modern world, we take so much for granted. Things like good government, an honest judiciary, hot and cold running water, electricity. Yep, if you're used to having them day after day, you doubtless take them for granted … until all of a sudden they're not there. Take electricity, for example. Last year, the world consumed almost 31,000 terawatt hours of power. That's 32,000 billion kilowatt hours of power – an unimaginably large amount of electricity. Nikola Tesla was born in modern day Croatia in 1856. He died in 1943.  He was often ridiculed and dismissed during his lifetime, especially as Thomas Edison overshadowed him. Despite poverty and public scorn though, Tesla's work with electricity—particularly alternating current (AC)—has transformed the world. We have him to thank for the power that lights up our lives. When you're the one who's ridiculed and dismissed, it's not a pleasant thing. It feels terrible; like you'll never amount to anything; as though the life you'd hoped for will never eventuate. These words were written, prophetically, about Jesus over 700 years before He was born: Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. (NIV) And whilst that's exactly what happened to Him, His death and resurrection will always remain the greatest victory in human history. Through it, billions have been forgiven and have the gift of eternal life. Just because some people don't see your value, doesn't mean that God won't do some amazing things through you. Don't be afraid of the world's rejection. That's God's Word. Fresh … for you … today.