A Cure for Contempt

Jesus spoke about John the Baptist as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy that Elijah would precede the coming of the Day of the Lord (Malachi 4.5-6): “To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. But I tell you, Elijah has already come and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that he was talking to them about John the Baptist (Matthew 17.11-13).

Have you ever felt unappreciated? John the Baptist felt that, and more. John came to prepare the people for the coming of Messiah, but he was rejected by the politically powerful and rigidly religious.

If you ever experience rejection or persecution, remember the Baptist. Also remember Jesus who suffered at their hands as well. Like the Baptist’s sufferings, your suffering has meaning as it points to a greater suffering. – God on a cross. So Jesus’ sacrifice makes my suffering more bearable, more lustrous, more eternally significant.

When you are unappreciated, rejected or even persecuted, pray this prayer: “Lord, I am glad I can join you in suffering. When I am not glad in suffering, please make me so. Amen.”