Outcasts

If we’re to decisively, convincingly, truly, effectively serve the Lord as he’s called us to do, we must be comfortable -to some extent- with being different, or at least understand that those who belong to Him are.

It’s not that we should disassociate ourselves from those who displease or who are different from us, or live the life of a hermit.  But we must be prepared to stand even if it’s only with a few (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; Heb 13:5). 

• On a very basic level, outcasts are people who are despised and refused acceptance for one reason or another (m-w.com).  Exclusion of others is usually based on their failure to conform to what’s considered normal or desirable to an individual or group of individuals -or even perceived nonconformity.  In the Bible, outcasts are identified as those with limited ability, power, or perspective.  Examples are aliens or sojourners (foreign immigrants who were subject to their host nation’s laws, language, and customs, which they probably weren’t familiar with), the fatherless and widows (who were then -and are now, in some cultures- basically helpless without the headship, provision and protection of a man), the deaf and blind, children, and unbelievers (Ex 22:21; Le 19:14; Ps 146:9; Pr 23:10-11; Mt 19:13-14; Lk 15:1-7; Jude 1:22-23). 
• The world views Christians as outcasts, having limited ability, power, perspective, and intelligence (1Co 1:18; 2Pe 2:19).  However, believers are set apart for service, and with the help of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of the Word, we’re to further sanctify and mature ourselves spiritually (Ro 12:2; Php 2:12; 2Ti 2:15; 1Pe 3:15).  I believe honest, self-examination, and study of God’s word are two of the greatest keys in furthering sanctification.  The ‘laws of justice and mercy’ in Exodus chapter 23 is an example of how the Lord has established His kingdom in the hearts of the believer (The Lord’s prayer serves as an example of prayer.  His kingdom has already come; see Lk 17:21).  Here, part of sanctifying ourselves as children of the Lord includes not:  gossiping, following the crowd (in doing wrong), showing favoritism, accepting bribes, etc.  
• Make no mistake about it.  If you’re a believer, you will be persecuted (Mt 5:11; 10:22; 2Ti 3:12).  The world excludes Christians because we’re different.  Although uncomfortable, this is something we should take joy in (Lk 6:22-23)!  Suffering isn’t evidence of wrongdoing -as the world would have you believe.  On the contrary.  It may very well be a sign that you’re doing right (1Pe 3:13-17).  We’re aliens, sojourners (1Pe 2:11).  Our citizenship is in heaven, so it’s no surprise that our ways, motivations, attitudes, behavior, etc. are looked upon scornfully (Lk 22:26; Ro 12:2).  
• The Lord will stand for you if you stand for Him (Mt 10:32-33; Ac 7:54-56).  It takes faith to follow God’s word because in the natural it makes no sense (Mt 20:16; Not to be taken literally and in every situation, but many reversals will occur on Judgment Day; see Isa 55:8; Mt 23:11-12).  We’re not to rely completely on the senses.  When the Bible extends past our understanding we should still be found standing on the Bible.  We are to trust Him.
• We’re to appeal to outcasts and care for them.  In doing this, we show reverence to God and identify ourselves as His children (Lev 24:2).  It’s our job, as believers, to ensure that those who may be considered outcasts aren’t.  Regardless of our position in life, we all know -or have known- what it’s like to be on the outside looking in (Ex 23:9; Jn 15:15; 1Pe 2:9-10).   Although He’s not a respecter of person, we serve a God who cares for, and is the Defender, of the lost, grieving, poor, etc. (Ac 10:34-35; Ro 2:11).  He’s God to all, and Father to the born again.  We’re to be godly, so to care for those whom God cares about is proof that we belong to Him (Mt 18:10-14; 22:39; 25:45; 2Pe 3:9). 

Just a thought; we know that Jesus, while he walked the earth, was fully God and fully man.  But I think it says a lot for him not to even express displeasure when Peter denied him or Judas betrayed him.  I’m sure he saw it coming being God, but I wouldn’t doubt that he was grieved to an extent also.  I’m sure we all know people who have ways that sadden, but don’t surprise us.  We ourselves are sometimes that person, even in our best intentions.

Also, I’m reminded of the scripture that tells us that the student cannot be above the teacher.  Just look at what Jesus, and the martyrs endured.  Regardless of how things sometimes seem though, we should have the faith to believe that God is faithful, and we -like them- will be ultimately and eternally rewarded.

...Will You Not Be Accepted?

God does not show partiality or favoritism, but accepts anyone who chooses to show reverence for him and simply do what’s right (Acts 10:34-35; Ro 2:11).  He rewards those who believe in him, and earnestly seek him (Heb 11:6).  He honor’s those who honor him (1 Sam 2:30).  So, why is it that many people find themselves –like Cain- angry and downcast when the Lord looks with favor upon the Abels of the world (Ge 4:4-5)?

I believe they’ve chosen to accept Satan’s lie that it’s them who haven’t been accepted, as opposed to their paltry or lacking service, gift, or worship (While Abel brought God some his first and best, Cain merely brought some.  In other words, Abel brought tithes and offering, while Cain brought pocket change.  Cain showed his disdain for God in the way that he gave.)  And since they believe that lie, they consequently believe the lie that their brother is their competition for God’s love.  And degrading, insulting, or even eliminating their ‘competition’ is their only chance at being accepted by God.  And unfortunately, we see this played out in the lives of modern day Cain and Abels every day.  Insert your example here. 

No one’s perfect, but if you’re putting forth an earnest effort to please God, instead of man, by living according to his word, you will have people insult, persecute and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Jesus (Gal 1:10; Jn 12:43; Mt 5:11).  Daniel went through it, as well as the Three Hebrew Boys (Dan 3 and 6).  And David often prayed to God to deal with the folks who were after him unjustly (Ps 40:14; 63:9; 69:4).

We’re to rejoice and be glad when we’re persecuted because of righteousness because we’re blessed, and are rewarded for our faith in heaven, and on earth (Mt 5:3-12; 10:22).  When we follow God’s word, in faith, we have the opportunity to undergo trials with comfort and protection, and come out of them approved, unscathed, promoted, and prosperous (Dan 3:24-30; 6:16-28; 2 Tim 2:15).  We all suffer -in one way or another- but surely it’s better to suffer for doing good than for doing evil (1 Pe 3:17).