Daily Devotion For July 11

The Jester

Many years ago my dad did a stint of acting in some Gilbert and Sullivan musicals. His old school that he attended got together once a year and put on the plays. I even had some fun and joined in with them as a member of the chorus.

The one year the school put on a play about a court jester. My dad had the leading role in it and he did a great job.

Up until that time I was not really aware of what a court jester was. But I soon found out that his job was to make people laugh at him even when he was acting like a fool.

The jester didn't seem to have a problem with the fact that people laughed at him and mocked him. I guess it was all part of the act. But let's face it, in real life when people laugh at you, it is often not because you are clowning around and wanting people to laugh at you.

People will often mock you and laugh at you because you are different. And often their laughter is hurtful and produces pain.

We have seen a lot of this sort of thing when we have ministered to people. They have felt rejected and hurt, and usually unaccepted by those who have done this.

Perhaps you can identify with what I am saying here. Perhaps you have been hurt by people who have mocked you or laughed at you and made you feel stupid.

People can be cruel, and they can reject you if you don't fit in with everyone else. If this describes you, I want you to know that Jesus is the one who accepts you just as you. He loves you and smiles at you, even when others think you are foolish or no good.

Jesus looks on you and He sees your heart, not what you look like on the outside. So do not be concerned about what people think or say. Run to the Lord when you are feeling rejected and He will say,

"I love you my child. You are special to me. And though people think you are a fool, I am able to use you to do mighty things for me. Then the world will have to stand back and be amazed at what I have done in you."

*****

If you are feeling rejected because people see you as different, I thank the Lord that He loves you just as you are. You are precious to Him and special in His eyes.

Thank you Lord that you are able to take what the world calls foolish and make it into something powerful for you.

*****

Today may you be assured of the Lord's love and acceptance for you, even if others think differently of you.