Context

A few months ago, at the first meeting of our Bible study group focused on the Gospel of John, I learned the context of the book. Jewish-Christians in Rome before 90 A.D. were shunned by both their synagogue and their extended families. Overwhelmed by the rejection, they turned to their spiritual leader, John, for solace and perspective.

I also have experienced the sharp shock of being made unwelcome.

After thinking about the context, I read John again and looked for spiritual truth to heal painful rejection:

John 1:10-13 – He came into the very world he created, but the world didn't recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn — not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. (NLT)

John 17:24-26 – Father, I want these you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began! O righteous Father, the world doesn't know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them. (NLT)

Meditating on those two passages enabled me to realize several things that helped me to make changes. When I accepted and trusted Jesus, I became a child of God. My Christ-mediated, love-filled, child-Father relationship with God also gave me a new family. I choose to embrace these truths more sincerely. Now I rejoice often each day and call God my "Abba" Father (or "Daddy"). Any memory of hurt from rejection triggers me to sing "Halle Abba" to the tune of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus!

With frequent calls on my Abba, I sense a growing loving-kindness that feels like Jesus Himself is with me. That truth triggers me to stop questioning and simply to pray for my rejecters. The sense of welcome in my relationship with God has become absolute, and my desire to see others enjoy that same closeness became a passion.

I also grow in appreciation for my church family. With their fellowship, I find people who share times of Bible study and who give the best hugs!

Do you have a deep hurt in need of our Abba-Father's healing love?

Prayer: Father in heaven, thank You for our Bibles and for Your children! In the name, the presence, and the person of Jesus Christ our Lord, we ask You to help us to discover and share every thrilling, awesome, wonderful truth in Your Word. Make the love You have for Jesus overflow through us so that those around us may believe that You sent Him. Amen.