December 17

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. — Isa 53:3 BSB

One of the saddest aspects of Christ’s life was the rejection He faced from those He came to save. He came with love, desiring to do them good, to lead them away from sin, and to bring them to God. Yet, “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.” He knocked on their doors, but they refused to open. He had to walk away, leaving His blessings and gifts unreceived, while His people remained in their sin and sorrow.

It’s still the same today. Christ comes offering treasures of life and glory, but many people pay no attention to His call, and He passes on. “He is despised and rejected.” He never forces His way in. He knocks, but the door must be opened from within.

In Holman Hunt’s painting, “The Light of the World,” the door has no handle on the outside. It can only be opened from the inside. You can keep Christ out of your heart if you choose, simply by not opening the door. It doesn’t take violent rejection or terrible sins to lose Christ; the gentlest indifference will do just as well.