Daily Word: Reaction to Rejection

We have seen that Yeshua sent His disciples to preach His message of repentance. His directions were to go without provision in hand, and to trust that they would be provided for. They were to take a staff for protection, but trust in Him would feed them. Today, we look at Yeshua's teaching to them concerning the rejection of the message of repentance. Mark 6:11 reads: And if any place will not receive you and they refuse to hear you, when you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet for a testimony against them." Remember that to "hear" in Hebrew means to hear and obey. If someone would not apply the message of Yeshua to his or her life, then the disciples were to shake off the dust from their feet as a testimony against them. How different is this from modern discipleship today? Seeker sensitive churches seek to comfort the unbelieving one until they can be persuaded to follow "Jesus." Yeshua's message is much more direct.

The word "shake" is in the imperative mood aorist tense and active voice. This means that it is a command to a specific action as opposed to continuous action. The active voice means that the reader is to perform the action himself. Yeshua seems to be saying that there are no second chances. If you present the message of repentance and it is rejected, then you are to shake the dust as a sign of testimony against them. Again, compare Yeshua's instructions with that in modern churches today. When we do, we see how far what takes place in the name of "Jesus" today is different from what the Jewish rabbi actually taught.

Today, you are not being called to mean and inconsiderate to people. However, neither are you being called to beg them or trick them into becoming Christians. The Way of Yeshua is for the most committed. There are no half way disciples. Examine your methods and life and ask, "Am I disciple of Yeshua?" Am I following His teachings?